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Charlotte's Story

“The support Barnardo’s has been able to provide has been invaluable.”

Charlotte first got help from Barnardo’s ten years ago and has been coming to Barnardo’s ever since.

“The first service I started using was Baby and Me,” Charlotte explains. “I was able to get support and advice to prepare for the arrival of my son.

When Charlotte’s son turned two, she could tell he seemed different compared to other children his age but felt alone in how to manage the situation. Her son has since been diagnosed with autism, and she recalls feeling especially grateful for our help in getting her health visitor to do an initial autism assessment for her son. Now, he’s getting the support he needs to continue developing his speech and language skills.

“I felt alone in dealing with this new situation but the support I was able to get for him through Barnardo’s was amazing. He’s been able to improve his speech and language by taking part in chat and play sessions.

“One of the special moments that Barnardo’s was able to create was providing a family day out and meal for my son’s birthday where he was able to watch the Elemental film at our local cinema. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the cinema tickets for him and my two girls otherwise. It’s the extra things, like making sure the children could have their own popcorn that made it just such a special day.”

Charlotte says her support worker, Mary, has played a big role in helping her feel like she belongs. “Mary’s a friendly and trusted person who I can turn to when I have a problem or feel stuck. My mental health hasn’t always been great, but that’s something I’ve been able to improve with help and encouragement from her.”

*Name has been changed to protect the identities of the families we help.