As Carmel’s relationship went from bad to worse, she found herself isolated… things looked bleak until she found HARP.

“It was Christmas 2015. I was living with my boyfriend at the time, but the relationship had become increasingly abusive and difficult. Then, without any warning, he threw me out. Bags of clothes and all. Because of the relationship, my support network had shrunk and although my family were supportive, no one had room for me to live with them.  I suddenly found myself cold, isolated and desperate, not knowing where to turn.

I went to Chelmsford police station, and because it was so close to Christmas and I was clearly vulnerable, they arranged a few nights for me in a motel near Harlow. It was only a temporary measure, though. Just after Christmas, when the weather eased slightly, I had to leave the motel and was advised to seek help from the council.

I felt completely alone and frightened. I was unsure of what would happen next. I had some connections to Southend, so I presented to Southend Council and that’s when they told me about HARP.”

A warm welcome

“When I first arrived at the Bradbury Day Centre, I was greeted with such warmth. I was given a proper breakfast, but more importantly, I was assigned a support worker who showed me real kindness. They took the time to get to know me and quickly realised just how broken I felt.

That winter, the churches were running a night shelter, so I stayed there for a few nights before being offered a room at HARP’s temporary accommodation, Heath House. After a couple of weeks, I moved to HARP’s women-only accommodation, where I lived for the next couple of years. It became a place where I could finally begin to rebuild.”

Starting to heal

“HARP’s team helped me beyond anything I could have imagined. I joined many parts of their recovery programme, and they supported me to access counselling and financial help. Through this, I came to understand the trauma I’d been living with and how much it had affected my mental health. Their support helped me start healing.”

Hope again

“I moved out of HARP in 2018 and I haven’t looked back. I’ve got my own flat now and I’m rebuilding my life, step by step. I work as a face painter at children’s events, and I’m hoping to expand this into a small business. I feel hopeful again, something I couldn’t have imagined back in 2015.”