I found out about Alone in London on the internet; the web site said they would listen to me and support me so I called them. I needed somewhere to stay because I had left home after some really serious arguments with my mother. Things had been bad for a few years since my parents divorced and then I found out my mother was trying to arrange a marriage for me. I realised I needed to leave home straight away as the stress was affecting my health and I didn’t know what else to do. I wanted to work, be independent and be like other young women my age. 

My adviser at Alone in London really listened and understood what I was going through, she didn’t judge me and I felt like I could open up to her. We put together an action plan and they found me an all-female hostel where I had space to breathe and get my head together. My adviser also referred me to Alone in London’s training and employment team so that I could find out about work and education opportunities.

Gradually I started talking to my mother on the phone and was able to start visiting again. Because we had space and time away from each our relationship improved so much that recently I moved back home. Things are much better now and I’m looking forward to finding and starting an apprenticeship in customer services.  

Since being supported by Alone in London I now feel happier and more confident than I have felt in a long time. I trust myself more and understand why my relationship with my mother went wrong and what we can do together to make it better.

Photograph posed by model.