Rebuilding Independence at the Lodge

In late summer, A moved into the Lodge with her young child after leaving an unstable home environment. She had been living in temporary accommodation with her baby’s father, whose ongoing mental health difficulties had created an unsafe situation for both of them.

When we first spoke, A was very emotional and eager to move somewhere safe. We completed her assessment over the phone so she could move in as soon as possible. Once she arrived, it became clear that she needed a high level of support to rebuild her independence.

A had been entirely dependent on her partner, she didn’t have her own bank account, email address, or phone, and had no official ID. She also struggled to recognise the level of control in her relationship, often minimising concerning behaviour by comparing it to worse experiences from the past. With her consent, we made a referral to a specialist domestic abuse service to help her understand and address those risks.

We supported A to take several important steps in her first few weeks. She created her own email address, received a phone through Universal Credit support, opened her own claim, and ended her previous joint tenancy to avoid falling into debt. We also worked with her social worker to help her set up a basic bank account and ensure she could manage her finances safely.

While she initially found it difficult to accept outside support, A gradually began taking more ownership of her progress. Adjusting to shared living was challenging, she often found it hard to manage boundaries and relationships with others but she responded positively to praise and structure.

She continues to manage depression and anxiety, and we have supported her to reengage with mental health services and her GP. We’ve also encouraged her to access community wellbeing and budgeting support to strengthen her independence.

A is a dedicated mother and with ongoing support, is showing positive signs of growth. She is learning to make decisions for herself, manage her money, and recognise what healthy relationships look like. With time, stability and continued encouragement, we believe she will achieve long term independence for herself and her child.