Meet Sarah

Sarah is a bright and beautiful 4-year-old who lives with Mum, Jennifer, in a small flat. Jennifer has struggled with her mental health for many years which has had an impact on her ability to care for Sarah. As a single mother, Jennifer has always wanted the best for her daughter, but her own difficult childhood and ongoing struggles made it hard for her to provide everything Sarah needed to thrive. Mam was feeling isolated and alone. She felt like she was letting Sarah down.

At just 4 years old, Sarah had already faced many challenges. She spent most of her days at home, watching TV. She rarely got the chance to play with other children, which affected her social and physical development. Sarah hadn’t yet learned how to run or climb and she was still drinking from a bottle. Little Sarah’s development was falling behind other children her age.

Jennifer knew Sarah needed help, but her own struggles with mental health made it hard to get the support they needed. She wanted to be there for Sarah and to give her a better life, but at times it felt like everything was working against her.

In their tiny flat, Jennifer and Sarah didn’t have much. They didn’t have a kitchen table so meals were eaten off their laps. Sarah shared a bed with Mam, which left Sarah with no space of her own. Jennifer tried to make do, but it was so hard to save for a new bed or furniture.

We first met Sarah when she started to attend our Early Years Service. She struggled to communicate with other children and often became frustrated when she couldn’t express herself. She wasn’t used to playing with other children and would sometimes lash out or grab things from the other children.

Another thing our Project Worker, James, noticed was that Sarah didn’t know how to use cutlery at mealtimes. She would eat her food with her hands, not knowing how to use a fork or spoon.  James and Jennifer sat down to create a plan for Sarah’s future. James spoke to Mam about the importance of routine for Sarah to help her feel more secure and he was able to organise a new bed, just for Sarah! Little Sarah was so thrilled. Most importantly, Sarah was learning to communicate, share, and play with others – something she was missing before.

James knew that getting access to mental health support hadn’t always been easy for Jennifer. He explained how everyone has mental health and sometimes we can all struggle with how we’re feeling. With his help, Jennifer didn’t feel alone and she was able to get the help she needed.

Sarah still has a long way to go, but she is already making huge strides. She is starting to feel more confident and more connected with the world around her. And it’s all because of the support people like you provide.

Because of you, we can help to change stories like Sarah’s. We can give them the chance they deserve – the chance to grow, to play, and to thrive.

Because childhood lasts a lifetime