George (6 years old) was referred to Welcare by his school after staff became concerned about his behaviour and the impact on his mum Lisa’s health. George has a diagnosis of Autism and displayed challenging behaviour that severely affected family life. Lisa, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, was struggling to cope as George’s aggression escalated. He would hit, kick, and punch her, even in public, and had caused injuries requiring hospital treatment. At times, George ran into traffic when overwhelmed, adding to the family’s stress.
Life at home was chaotic. George played on his games console day and night, running up hundreds of pounds in debt, and slept only 3–4 hours each night. His school attendance was poor, and he refused to bathe or eat anything other than fast food. The family had been living in unsuitable emergency accommodation for two years, leaving Lisa exhausted and isolated.
On top of this, Lisa was experiencing ongoing abusive behaviour and coercive control from George’s father, despite their separation years ago. He continued to harass and intimidate her, adding to her emotional strain and sense of vulnerability. Welcare made referrals for Lisa to an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) to ensure her safety and provide coordinated support. Lisa was also supported in obtaining a non-molestation order against her ex-partner.
Welcare worked with Lisa to help her feel confident in parenting George while meeting his specific needs, reduce violence in the home, and ensure both felt safe and supported. We introduced positive parenting techniques tailored to George’s needs, created a safety plan, and referred to social services for additional support. We established routines and boundaries at home, liaised with school and CAMHS to address George’s wellbeing and sleep difficulties, and supported Lisa with budgeting, meal planning, and housing issues. Emergency grant funding was secured for utility debts and sensory equipment to help George sleep.
Three months later, life looks very different. Lisa describes the home as much calmer, and George has not been violent towards her during this time. He now sleeps at 10–11 pm after the Wi-Fi is turned off, and Lisa cooks healthy meals at home. George attends school full-time and arrives on time every day. Lisa feels more confident, manages her finances, and has been offered alternative accommodation.
Lisa says, “Welcare made such a difference—life is happier and calmer for us.”
George is on the CAMHS priority list for sleep support and has started bathing using sensory-friendly adaptations. He spends less time on his console, enjoys days out, and is attending friends’ birthday parties for the first time.
