Julie had previously been referred to our Eve’s Space women’s support project whilst on Probation. However, she didn’t attend appointments made for her. She was not working, didn’t receive any benefits and was living with her partner. She was very low in mood, with no confidence and she very anxious having had both of her children removed from her and having left a very violent relationship. Julie was binge drinking because of boredom and depression – feeling she had nothing to keep going for. She was a young woman in her early twenties but had isolated herself from mixing with others. As her Order was ending and her case was being closed by Probation, she was referred once again to Eve’s Space on a voluntary basis, as it was felt she could really use some continuity of support.

We contacted Julie and she agreed to come to meet us at our women’s centre. Her support needs were identified as needing help in applying for benefits and with her finances. She needed help in setting up and managing her own bank account. She wanted to address binge drinking and was willing to consider counselling when the time was right. After a few appointments it became apparent that her anxiety was having a massive impact on her day-to-day life. We took a structured approach to helping her using the ‘Five Areas’ assessment model. This involved going through a range of strategies and techniques intended to help her address her complex problems. From our broad discussions we homed in on an action plan which she agreed to put into to practice between our meetings. This included cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for reducing her anxiety, plus a realistic and manageable healthy eating and exercise plan.

Julie had little experience of cooking food and preparing meals. She recognised that her diet and general lifestyle was unhealthy and agreed to attend a cooking course we were running facilitated by our specialist practitioners. The course soon proved to be a good way to boost her confidence, as she started mixing with new people. Everything was done at a gentle pace. She was learning practical new skills including how to prepare healthy meals on a tight budget. By the end of the course, Julie had really come out of her shell. She was also brighter and felt positive about the changes she was making in her life.
Julie was registered to attend her local drug and alcohol service but didn’t attend regularly. However, the changes she was able to make in her life with our support, gave her a new perspective on what life can offer. With her boredom relieved and her self-esteem boosted Julie was now able to abstain from alcohol. She felt that the prospect of her re-offending was fast diminishing. At this point Julie agreed to try counselling and we provided support and encouragement to ensure she kept her appointments. We had reflective discussions after each session to ensure she remained focussed on making positive steps forward with her life.

Counselling had a significantly positive impact on Julie. She no longer had nightmares over her previous experience with domestic violence. She was able to gradually increase her involvement with her children. Her depression and anxiety were reduced to the point where she was no longer reliant on anti-depressants. She was much more confident and even began volunteering in a community facility. She is now planning to start a catering apprenticeship at college.