After a devastating house fire caused by a faulty tumble dryer, Shannon and her three children — Shayla (13), Kayley (10) and Ryan (7) — suddenly found themselves living in temporary accommodation. The fire destroyed their flat as well as many of the children’s treasured belongings, including their much‑loved pets. At this point, the children were already on a Child Protection Plan due to severe domestic abuse perpetrated by their father. Shannon had been using alcohol to cope with the trauma she had experienced, and she was simultaneously going through a difficult court process in which she testified against him. He was later found guilty and sentenced to 10.5 years for the abuse inflicted on her.
Shannon was receiving support from a substance misuse service and her IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate), but Social Care recognised that the family needed additional help to process their experiences and rebuild a sense of safety. They referred the family to Welcare for Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit support for both Shannon and the children. There were also practical needs to consider. Once their flat was refurbished and they were able to return home, it became clear that they had almost no furniture, flooring or curtains. The home felt bare and unsettling — a painful reminder of what they had lost.
Welcare’s support plan focused on helping the family process their trauma and re‑establish stability. Shannon took part in ten one‑to‑one sessions using the Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit, where she had the space to reflect on her journey, understand her triggers, and begin rebuilding her self‑esteem. Seven sessions were provided for the children. Shayla engaged individually, while Kayley and Ryan initially attended together because of their close relationship. After assessment, some individual sessions were offered to increase engagement and give each child room to explore their feelings safely.
To address the family’s practical needs, grant applications were submitted for essential furniture. Welcare’s Families in Crisis funding also enabled the collection of furniture donated by a friend of the family, helping the family begin to make their flat feel like a home again.
As the sessions continued, Shannon became more reflective and conscious of the positive changes she was making. With her alcohol use reducing and a supportive space to focus on her mental health, she was increasingly able to be emotionally present for her children. School attendance improved, communication within the family strengthened, and the children began to understand that they were not to blame for what had happened. They were able to talk more openly about their experiences without shame or confusion, including their complex feelings toward their father.
Rebuilding their home environment had a powerful emotional impact. With a new sofa, wardrobe and under‑bed storage, the flat began to feel safe, warm and familiar again rather than a stark reminder of their trauma. This sense of physical stability helped reinforce the emotional progress they were making.
There were challenges along the way. Shannon experienced two relapses where she was noted to have alcohol on her breath, and during the programme Kayley began opening up about her own mental health struggles, which became a significant concern. Safety planning was put in place, and both Shannon and Kayley were referred for longer‑term therapy through specialist domestic abuse services to ensure ongoing support.
Reflecting on the experience, Shannon said she felt consistently respected and valued by Welcare. She shared that “having someone to talk to with no blame on me” was the most helpful part of the support. She said that the intervention made “a big difference” for her and her children.
