WDH Sandwell

I am a single parent who is undergoing treatment for cancer. After my diagnosis, I began facing domestic abuse which led to them leaving the family home.

I have no vision at all, so I was very isolated and I was feeling low and down. I’m a single mom with 6 children, so doing something for myself was important to me.

It was really quiet having left college and not going to school, I felt like I didn’t have anywhere to be. I helped my mom, but I wanted to do my own thing too.

Since leaving work, I had put on four stone, yet I generally considered my health and fitness okay, although I did have a pacemaker following heart complications as well as osteoarthritis.

Prior to coming on the wellbeing walks I was feeling lonely as I had lost my husband only recently. I didn't have people to speak to.

I was served a Section 21 eviction notice and was I was feeling very stressed and found it hard to have a positive outlook on my situation. I am a single parent to a child with additional needs

I'm from Bangladesh. I studied English in my own country, but it was very different from here, so my confidence dropped, and I got extremely nervous.

Following devastating news of my partner’s death, I think I was at the brink of a complete mental breakdown. I didn’t know where to turn for help; I didn’t know what to tell my kids; how to cope with everything myself.

I’ve suffered with anaemia for 20 years, but in April 2022, I was taken off my iron supplements by my GP as recent blood tests had come back with more positive results. When I came off the supplements, things began to change.

I joined the WDH Sandwell service to socialise, be active, make new friends, and gain more independence. Break thru has helped me to become more active without having to go to the Gym, and I have learnt fitness techniques I can do at home.

I have mild learning difficulties and issues with my leg following an accident 20+ years ago. I was drinking every single day. I really wanted to cut down and even consider stopping for good. I don't want to be someone who is defined by my disabilities and difficulties.

I am 45 years old, a single mother of three beautiful children. Life has not been easy for us, especially with my limited English skills. I remember the first few months in this new country. My children were trying to adjust to their new schools while I juggled multiple cleaning jobs to make ends meet.

I was doubting myself as I found myself lacking motivation to do my daily routine that I had been doing for years. Even tasks I had been doing my whole life like cooking.

When I first came here it was with all my friends from another centre that shut down. We used to hang out, talk and watch telly, and it was a safe space for us.

I’ve recently become a single parent and have been feeling stressed and under pressure being a lone-parent. It took courage to disclose my history of being a victim of domestic violence.

I have always been a person who thrives off helping others and being able to share my own skills with others. Through WDH Sandwell, I have been receiving support from the Kuumba team in developing my job ready skills and I now have a job!

I was in a dark place. I felt alone and like I barely had anyone to talk to. I generally feel okay a lot of the time, but when I get really down and lonely, I start to drink.

Before I came to Ileys Community Association I felt overwhelmed, lonely, and disconnected from my surroundings. I needed to get out of the house

I am a carer for my wife and was also working when I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to my diagnosis and necessary treatment I had to stop working. As a result my financial situation worsened significantly just in a few days.

I found myself struggling to express my emotions while on maternity leave and I knew I needed to reach out for support to better my skills – I was experiencing depression and anxiety and I refused to let this control my life.

I am a Ukrainian war victim. I left my home country to save the lives of my three children and immigrated to the United Kingdom under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. I was terrified, worried, and lonely without family or friends.

I was in a tough spot. I’m living in a hotel, feeling really down and having health problems. My child has special needs, ADHD, and a learning disability.

Samerina had a 6-month-old baby who wasn’t sleeping. She was suffering with some mental health issues and was socially isolated and struggled to leave the house.

When we first met, I was unhealthy physically and nutritionally. I was experiencing low self-esteem and felt isolated. My mood was low, and I felt lethargic and unhealthy.

I was homeless and struggling with substance misuse when I approached European Welfare Association (EWA) services at YMCA. I was depressed and didn’t see the way out of the situation I found myself in. I needed a hot drink and some food, and I wanted to get off the streets and get to work.