“You saved my life”; Poppy’s journey to recovery

By the time Poppy* arrived at Gilgal, she had already been turned away by multiple services. Her needs were considered too complex, her risks too high.

She was in acute distress, having been through two relationships characterised by domestic abuse, childhood trauma, and long-term mental health struggles that had never been properly addressed. Her day-to-day reality included dissociation, self-harm, terrifying flashbacks, and moments of extreme distress. 

Poppy was fearful, isolated, and deeply mistrustful of professionals, shaped by a lifetime of being let down. She often masked her behaviour, afraid of being seen as incapable or unstable. Underneath this, she was battling undiagnosed autism, severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and alcohol misuse that she initially denied.

Despite the complexity of her needs, Gilgal welcomed Poppy without judgment. What followed was a slow, steady journey of building trust, safety, and hope. 

From the beginning, staff took a trauma-informed approach to Poppy’s counseling that focused on building safety and consistency. There were no demands, no expectations, just the reassurance that she was in a place where she would not be pushed away. At first, Poppy would have moments of such distress and panic that she would flee the refuge or run through it in a panic.

In order to best support her, our staff took time to be patient and build trust with Poppy, learning her triggers and responding with calm, compassionate care. Because emotional closeness was difficult for her, interactions were kept gentle and predictable. Staff made sure Poppy had space when she needed it, and over time, she began to feel safe enough to lower her guard. As her trust grew, she began sharing details of her past trauma. Her dedicated Support Worker stood beside her through appointments, applications, and assessments, advocating for her needs and helping her secure housing and benefits.

Poppy was also supported to take her medication regularly, which helped her cope during periods of high distress. The structure and consistency of refuge life played an important role in her early stabilisation. During this time, she was able to acknowledge her alcohol misuse and recognise its effect on her wellbeing. With gentle encouragement from staff, she engaged with addiction services and began her recovery journey. When she felt ready, Poppy started volunteering at a local community farm – a significant step that brought structure, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

After two months in the main Jasmine refuge, she made the move to Holly, where she had a self-contained flat; this marked a turning point in her journey, helping her see an independent future beyond crisis. The practical support she received reduced fear and uncertainty in her life, reminding her she did not have to face challenges alone.

Today, Poppy is preparing to move into a dispersed property – her own flat where she will continue to receive support services. She has been sober for over a year, is actively engaged in recovery, and supports others facing similar challenges. She’s aware of her triggers, uses healthy coping strategies, and takes pride in managing her mental health.

Her words reflect just how far she has come. 

Here at Gilgal, we approach the needs of all our survivors with care, consistency, and compassion. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated complex needs worker, funded by generous donations and grants. It is due to our amazing staff, who take the time to learn about those who come to us, that women like Poppy can have a space where they feel safe enough to begin rebuilding their lives, at their own pace and on their own terms. Poppy’s journey is a powerful reminder of the real difference services like Gilgal can make, and make healing and hope achievable for all. 

*name has been changed for privacy