Abbi's Story
Abbi was referred to our service following a workplace accident that resulted in symptoms consistent with PTSD, significantly affecting her day-to-day life. She was referred to our Pathways to Hope programme by her Community Mental Health Team. Having never engaged in therapy before, she felt extremely anxious about seeking support.
At the point of referral, Abbi's main coping strategy had been to suppress her emotions and "push through", despite finding this increasingly difficult to sustain. Reflecting on this period, she said:
"Pathways to Hope and Trauma Healing Together were two of the scariest things I have ever had to face in my life. Not because they are actually scary, but because it meant admitting that I needed help and that I was not as okay as I made myself out to be."
Despite her fears, Abbi committed fully to the programme, completing 24 sessions of trauma-focused therapy alongside 16 weeks of group wellbeing support. Throughout the programme, she developed the confidence and tools to process her trauma, communicate her experiences more openly, and manage the impact of PTSD on her life.
As part of the wellbeing programme, Abbi participated in an upholstery module, where she discovered the benefits of creative activity in supporting her recovery. Developing practical skills helped her remain present, build confidence, and reconnect with activities she enjoyed.
Reflecting on her journey, Abbi said:
"It was a step I needed to take. I needed to face it because without it I would not be stood here today. Roxanne and her team helped me in ways I cannot begin to describe. I have laughed and cried in those offices; I have felt confidence and shame; I have experienced the lowest of lows, feeling heavy in myself and walked out feeling lighter."
Following completion of the programme, Abbi chose to remain involved as a volunteer. She has used her upholstery and artistic skills to enhance the therapeutic environment, creating artwork and transforming our therapy sandbox. Her contributions have helped create a calmer and more welcoming space, with clients regularly commenting on the positive impact of the artwork and showing increased interest in using the sandbox as part of their own therapeutic journey.
The confidence Abbi gained through the programme has extended beyond volunteering. She recently presented her work at the Soroptimist AGM, speaking publicly about trauma and recovery to help raise awareness and reduce stigma within the wider community. This represents a significant step for someone who initially found it difficult to acknowledge her own need for support.
Today, Abbi continues to use her lived experience to support others while advocating for the importance of trauma-informed services. Her experience demonstrates how the combination of specialist therapy, peer support, wellbeing activities, and meaningful volunteering opportunities can help individuals move from crisis and hopelessness to confidence, contribution, and community leadership.
As Abbi explains:
"Trauma Healing Together gave me a toolbelt I did not know I needed. I would strongly encourage those who feel lost or like no one understands to talk to THT because even if they don't understand, they will listen and they will do their best to help you."