Emma's* Story 

Emma* reflects on her recovery from domestic abuse. *Name changed

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" - Maya Angelou

I was referred to Hestia by Women for Refugee Women. I was at the Women for Refugee Women after experiencing domestic abuse, the experience that I never wish to anyone to go through. At Hestia, people were very nice and welcoming.

Their services and the work they do is fantastic. I loved that they kept us busy by creating different activities. My favorite was the Christmas Party where we had a delicious meal and presents. Hestia helped me to gain back my confidence, at least in some things. After the lockdown happened, I felt sad as I have lacked the human contact, but with the activities that Hestia has provided me and other service users  I was able to keep my mind off unnecessary thoughts. Their team is doing a great job in supporting women like me. The one advice I would give to women who is going through the same experience that I went is to seek help as soon as possible and meet new people after to gain back what we lost - a connection.