I managed to get a few weeks counselling at my GP’s surgery but it didn’t help in the way I needed at the time. It didn’t address the areas I needed to talk about as there just wasn’t enough time in the six weeks they offered.

Group work helped me to understand that I could put boundaries in place both with my children and my ex partner to ensure he didn’t use them to get at me. I recognised the importance of explaining things to the children so they could understand what was happening and feel safer. The group work supported me to feel more confident to be able to be honest with them without scaring them or making them feel responsible. This really helped us as a family to be more open with each other; learning to accept my feelings has helped me to accept how the children feel and what they need so they feel more secure and understood.

Hearing the other women’s stories was really helpful for me. I could see the patterns that had developed in their lives of the other women and know that I’m not alone. The group helped us to discuss things and be clearer about our thoughts and feelings. It became a place for support and somewhere we could vent our feelings safely.

The outcome for me has been that now my relationships are changing because I have realised that I am important. Even my work relationships are better - I am more assertive and able to ask for what I need.  I make time for myself now.

Sarah* - not her real name.

Photographs posed by models