Sarah has been a victim of domestic violence and sexual assault, leading to her becoming on the streets of London. Here, she found that life was even harder and at one stage, she was gang raped, and becoming pregnant with her son as a result.
She recently finished a long prison sentence and is adjusting to being out in the community, but due to the trauma she has suffered, she struggles to hold down long-term tenancy and often finds herself being evicted.
When she first came to us, she was in temporary accommodation near 999 Club, and was not engaged with her local support services. By working closely with her, we helped secure the vital benefits she needed including Personal Independence Payments. We also helped Sarah re-engage with her GP, taking her to appointments, and liaised with her housing support worker to help secure longer-term accommodation.
Sarah was also instrumental in helping 999 Club in the design of the Women’s Sanctuary, contributing to the look and feel of the room, and the services we offer. This really gave her a chance to have her opinions and voice heard, and to give something back to others who are facing abuse and violence.
Sarah is still facing many challenges but thanks to the support services of 999 Club, including those she helped develop, she is working forward away from violence and towards a brighter future.