Anne and Emily’s Story

Although our usual connections to families are recommended through special partners, occasionally we receive requests direct from families themselves.

We received a handwritten letter on A4 paper describing the story of mother, Anne, and seven-year-old Emily.

Emily was a model pupil at school and described as carefree and happy with lots of friends and always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved singing and music.

Upon recommendation from Social Services, they had moved away from the South of England after Emily’s dad had become abusive and violent. The first letter described how his actions effected both mother and daughter, and how they lived in fear of him having too much to drink and become harmful. He would often become spiteful and abusive unprovoked, physically harming Anne and Emily frequently for many months.

Out of fear, both Anne and Emily felt they couldn’t tell anyone for a long time.

It was brought to attention when a teacher noticed Emily’s increasing social withdrawal in school – her personality changing over time. She alerted social services after she saw bruises on Emily’s arms and legs.

Social services met with Anne during school for a discussion, and Anne and Emily finally relayed the history of abuse at home; Anne’s injuries being so intense they required hospital attendance.  The police were notified, and eventually Emily’s dad admitted to the harm he’d caused – found guilty of grievous bodily harm, he was sent to prison.

For a new start, Anne and Emily moved to a new place in Lancashire- very close to The Principle Trust Children’s Charity. Given this, alongside with the knowledge Anne and Emily had never shared a holiday together, we were eager to move forward and offer them a break.

Anne agreed to arrange for Social Services to send in the recommendation, and it was decided that Blackpool would be a wonderful location for both mother and daughter- fitting with activities and trips close by the caravan.

A week after their holiday, we heard from Anne again – sounding high in spirits and extremely grateful for the break away. Anne explained how, to her delight, Emily had a great time away – going on rides, swimming in the pool, and exploring. Anne said she had made new friends around the site- spending time in other caravans and bringing friends over to their own. She’d had a lovely time, smiling, and laughing.

After the holiday, Anne was feeling much better about living in a new location – the break giving her a much-needed space to relax and focus on wellbeing alongside Emily on the first step to recovering mentally. She commented on how the holiday had made a world of difference to her and her daughter and helped put the bad memories of the past behind them.