‘A Time to Believe’. A poem about New Leaf by Sarah*

Before this project I was very sceptical. I’ve had help from a different charity initially but, as grateful as I am for all of their help, my confidence was also majorly knocked with certain things and I didn’t trust that anyone really wanted to help, just that they had boxes to tick and platitudes to offer like: ‘it’ll be okay, give it time’. I switched off from that and thought I had to do it all by myself, which was majorly overwhelming. I had just restarted my whole life again and needed help with finding out my next move and not slipping backwards, I didn’t know what I wanted just a vague idea that I needed to move forward.

I first heard of New Leaf through a volunteer that was helping me with the other charity. I was struggling to find a path and my next move and she gave me the details stating they would be able to help me. I had my first meeting with Becky and she actually listened and understood. Gave me options of where I could go and why I could do, the support she had to offer and she gave me a plan of what we were going to work through on. She instantly settled my mind and I was excited for the next step. I am quite confident in myself now but still having reassurance helps an awful lot. I am very grateful for the help being given. New leaf have helped me to get onto my college course and given me direction. We are continuing to work together with things we both feel will be beneficial to me.

I’m not 100% sure of where I want to be but I have started my journey and I know I’ve got support and guidance should anything arise. It’s a relief and empowering having a purpose again. It’s knowing that I’m not in my own, that I will get down days but when I look back to where I was just a year ago I can say I’m proud of myself and thankful for everything that I have gone through as it’s made me into the person that I am today.

*We’ve changed the name here to respect privacy.

We’re currently recruiting project workers to get the best out of women like Sarah, across Cheshire. Click here to apply.

The New Leaf programme is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.