When T and her young daughter M first connected with the Torch Parish Nursing service they had recently fled to the area as a result of domestic violence. They had no family, no friends, no social network. They were placed in a ground floor accommodation with no flooring, no curtains, no fridge, no bed. They had the greatest of needs on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
With English not being T’s first language, understanding of the health, social and education systems was a considerable challenge. She was alone, stuck, exhausted and invisible.
Through partnership working with the council and school we were able to journey with T; registering with the GP and dentist, applying for the relevant financial support, providing support in parenting a child with special needs.
Through Torch and working with churches across Reading we were able to paint and furnish her home with curtains, bed, washing machine, carpets and flooring, provide support with fuel payments and provide age specific toys for her daughter.
Journeying and advocating with T has increased her confidence and self-esteem to the point that she now volunteers at a local charity shop. Both T and M are starting to flourish and thrive.
On Mothering Sunday recently T reflected on her journey and said:
‘I am beginning to become myself again and I now have hope’
Having seen the changes in this family since the original referral to the Parish Nurse, the Assistant Team Manager at RBC Directorate of Social Services wrote:
“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional support, understanding, and kindness you have shown to M and her mother over the recent months.
Your willingness to listen, to be patient, and work in a truly child centred and family focused way has made a significant difference. The progress we are now seeing is as a direct result of the care and consistency you have provided.
Both school and Torch have gone above and beyond in recognising the family’s need, reducing barriers to support, and ensuring mum felt safe, respected, and understood at every stage. The way you’ve worked together, sharing information, coordinating support, and keeping the family’s voice at the centre is a shining example of effective multi-agency partnership early help.
The positive changes for M, including her improved ability to communicate her needs in school, her increased stability, and the thoughtful planning around her SEND pathway, are a testament to your efforts. Likewise, the growth in mum’s confidence and independence, and her recent success in volunteering are outcomes that simply would not have happened without your consistent support.
Thank you for the care you have shown this family, …. and for the genuine difference you have made.”