January 23, 2015

Anne’s Family Impact Journey

When her Granddaughter Lauren was born, Anne didn’t except to have the baby living with her after just one week. Anne’s son, Laurens father, was living with her at the time and they took Lauren in as her mothers alcohol issues proved too much. Anne and her son both raised Lauren together, although she did see her mum sometimes.

But when Lauren was nine years old her mum disappeared for several months. When she came back she promised Lauren the world but failed to deliver every time. Social services eventually got involved and saw no problem in Lauren staying with Anne. Anne however, was starting to feel like she needed support of her own.

‘When social services made a referral to the Family Impact, it was the best things they ever did for us. Straight away I felt such relief has I finally had someone on my side. They have helped me enormously over the years and I am forever grateful to them for their support, nothing is too much trouble for them.’

Lauren has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and has other problems, meaning that care duties are ongoing for Anne even though Lauren is in her early twenties. Anne describes projects like PSS Impact as a lifeline and is so grateful for their continued support, even though Lauren is too old to officially be part of the Impact project.

‘Only with the help from PSS Impact have I been able to carry on. PSS do a tremendous amount for the children most of all but the Kinship Carers meetings are also really important to me as I no longer feel like I’m on my own. I have made good friends with other carer’s who attend the group. As they understand my feelings and worries as they also experience similar things. I can be myself and talk openly and honestly without feeling judged.’