First impressions
At first, I felt I couldn't come to Bridewell mysef; it didn't feel right, it was her space. I was worried/cautious/anxious for her as she'd been somewhere else which hadn't really worked and I knew how scared and shy she was. It wasn't until I came to the Open Day and saw how lovely and tranquil it was. Then she started to blossom and open out.
It was nice for me to know that others were supporting as it was a lot of responsibility for one person and when I was working full-time I used to miss the triggers and get very annoyed with myself for not spotting them.
“She started to blossom and open out.”
Noticing changes
It used to be hard work trying to communicate with her but after 6-8 months of coming to Bridewell things really improved. She made big changes both in what she said and how she said it. She could talk more about how she was really feeling, which I wasn't used to. I found some of the changes odd - she would make decisions without much, if any, discussion with me. The way she said things was more confident, more determined and a bit louder. If she's got something to say she will be heard!
Before she had no self-esteem but now she is so self-confident and able to make her own decisions. But she was very concerned when she realised that her time with Bridewell was time limited and I was worried too. What were we going to do on a Tuesday? Then the Connect day was started and that is very important. She has also made friends who she keeps up with outside of Bridewell.
"If she's got something to say she will be heard!"
Bridewell's impact
I think Bridewell gave her space, no time pressure so she could move at her own pace. Nothing was right, nothing wrong - she wasn't judged.
I think our communication has improved on both sides but I still worry, not so much about her, but I can't stop looking for triggers. It was so draining looking after her and I was so alone with it.
I was humbled to be included in a recent Bridewell outing. I can't thank Bridewell enough for all their help.
