Aviva’s story
“I honestly don’t know how we would have managed without Jami.”
When we found out that our son was self-harming and had suicidal thoughts, we recognised we needed support, too.
In our weekly sessions with Jess – our carer peer support worker – we talked about how we were individually dealing with our son’s problems, knowing Jess understood because she’d been through it all too. Her support helped us come to terms with what happened, to understand it wasn’t our fault, and to cope with looking after our son and ourselves. We started this journey feeling terribly ashamed of ourselves and our parenting skills. However, Jami gave us hope that we could get through this. And with Jami behind us, we have.
Jess’s story
When I first spoke to Aviva and her husband, they were scared, confused and full of guilt. Shocked by the news that their son had been self-harming and wanted to take his own life, they didn’t know what to do next.
In our weekly sessions, we talked about how they were coping, how they could support their son, and how they could look after themselves. I helped them reframe the language they used with him, encouraged them to open up to friends, and gave them the tools to cope.
And slowly, things changed. They found acceptance. They found strength. They found hope.
Right now, families across our community are facing similar crises and many carers are left to cope alone. Jami is often the only place they can turn to for understanding, practical support, and a listening ear.
Your donation can help us be there for them, providing a space where people feel seen, heard and supported.
No one should have to face mental illness alone, so please donate today and help us continue our vital work.
