Case studies
Charlotte
Charlotte was 18 years old, a care leaver living alone and NEET. From a young age Charlotte had been carer for her Mother and looked after the needs of her siblings. Due to neglect and emotional abuse Charlotte was taken into care and placed in a children’s home. Charlotte shared some of her experiences including being sent to a secure unit at 14years as she was seen as a risk to others. She explained that she felt “scared for her life and feared never being able to leave”. Due to her negative memories of being a child, Charlotte had stated that she never wanted to have children of her own.
Although removed into care she had a good relationship with her parents, demonstrating her support by shaving all her hair off a few months ago, when her mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
A residential worker persuaded Charlotte to come to the project after hearing about it. At first Charlotte seemed to lack motivation around the planned activities however did show interest in one to one sessions where she would be able to talk about her feelings. On the first day of the course Charlotte arrived late, tearful asking to speak with staff. Having calmed down she explained she had found out earlier that she was pregnant. Charlotte also shared that she was worried about losing the baby as she had lost a baby at 16, due to an abusive ex-partner.
Charlotte was offered emotional and practical support and attended group activities. Supported she applied for benefits, felt more positive about the future with her unborn baby, develop a network of good friends and to feel better in herself. Charlotte stated that she really enjoyed the one to one support and specifically enjoyed the survival skills in the forest. Additionally staff offered support for her pregnancy bringing in other professionals to teach her life skills such as first aid for babies.
Building relationships with staff and peers showing an increased motivation to attend on time. She faced raising her child without a father she had moved in with her mother so the worker invited Charlotte’s mother to the First Aid course. Charlotte stated that she really enjoyed having her mother with her. Mum commented that she had never seen Charlotte so excited about any other course before and that she wished that the course was available when she was younger. Charlotte’s mother also shared with the course that she had lost twins to cot death and that she wished she had known the first aid techniques then as it may have helped her to save her babies.
Charlotte is waiting to start a weekly parenting course where she will gain a qualification. This will support her in progressing on to a college course in midwifery after her baby is born.
“It gave me a lot of advice and they were always there to listen to me about my feelings. It has made me feel more positive about my future.”
