January 23, 2015

Natalie’s Family Impact Journey

Natalie has been working with Family Impact for nearly two years after being referred by her social worker for being under the influence of alcohol while looking after her 4 year old daughter, Sophie.

‘I have had problems with both alcohol and drugs since I was 15, I binge drink and take cocaine on a regular basis, usually starting on a Thursday night and going right through until Sunday night.’

Natalie has also been in a violent and emotionally abusive relationship for six years and, although her partner is currently imprisoned she still worries about the impact this had on her daughter who witnessed some of the abuse.

‘I first met my family worker before my child protection conference, she explained what support they could offer and I told her what I needed. I felt at ease and listened to and liked the fact that she would support me, Sophie and my mum.’

After the conference Sophie was placed on a child protection plan, and went to live with Natalie’s Mum while Natalie agreed to work with a family worker to help tackle her drug and alcohol problems.

‘I met with my family worker in my home, at PSS offices and also in a local café, I had to complete an assessment and then set targets for myself. Sophie and my mum also met with my family worker and told them how they felt and what they wanted to happen.’

Natalie attended the Family Impact workshops looking at self-esteem building, assertiveness and relationship advice, positive communication, stress busting and budgeting.

‘I also completed the 10 weeks nurturing programme which helped me to gain more self-awareness around how my drinking has affected Sophie and my mum. It was good because my family worker delivered this programme and so I was more relaxed and able to talk about things in the group.’

Natalie also accessed other services to help tackle her issues as well as completing the PSS Women’s Turnaround Freedom programme.

‘By my 3 month review meeting, I’d stopped binge drinking and no longer took cocaine. I made some friends in the groups I attended and feel I can talk to them as they know how I feel, I phone them when I need a drink or want to use drugs and they help me work through things.’

Sophie is now back staying with Natalie at the weekends and it’s been agreed that she can properly come home next month, Natalie’s mum is attending support group at PSS too and they are getting on better than ever.

‘I still see my family worker every two weeks and she is always at the end of the phone if I need to talk, I don’t think I would be where I am today without her support and encouragement. Thank you Family Impact.’