A beacon of hope during the darkest of times

Heena* had sunk into a deep depression whilst trapped in an abusive relationship.  She sought help via NHS Talking Therapies and was referred to Twining-Hestia for support to find work and regain her freedom and independence.  She met Ghazala, her dedicated Employment Specialist, who gave Heena the tools to break free from the darkest chapter of her life and helped her to believe in a brighter future. Today, Heena stands stronger, with a clearer vision of her goals, because of the unwavering support and guidance she received.  Here she tells us her powerful and inspirational story, in her own words…

I had reached a very dark point in my life and found myself sinking into a deep depression, all caused by an abusive ex-partner.  He wanted to restrict how I lived my life and the way I worked, and I felt particularly trapped and isolated because I didn’t know anyone else here.  All my family and close friends were in my home country.  It was incredibly lonely and frightening, so I reached out to my GP for help.

My GP initially referred me to NHS Talking Therapies, and I was able to tell my counsellor all about my life, my previous career, and how I felt right now.  Talking it through with my counsellor helped me to realise that what I was experiencing with my ex-partner was abuse.  She could also see that I wanted help to get back to work, to help me escape my circumstances and regain my independence.  She said she knew an organisation called Twining-Hestia which would help me with employment.

This is when I met Ghazala, who would be my dedicated Twining-Hestia Employment Advisor.  Ghazala really understood what I needed and the type of help that would support me.  For the first time in a long time I felt that someone was doing something for me – something that I needed.

As our relationship developed, I was able to talk to her openly, like talking to a family member.  She gently encouraged me to think about what I wanted – something I hadn’t done in a long time – and then act on my wishes.  She was always there to help me, to support me to be independent and to make sure I was OK.  No one had ever helped me like this before – not even my family.  I felt that she truly wanted to support me to stand on my own two feet and escape the restricted life I was living with my ex-partner.

During the time we were working together, the abuse I experienced from my ex-partner escalated.  One day I ran away – with an emergency bag of belongings only.  I ran to my local mosque and told the Imam what was happening, and he called the police.  I was so worried that I would have to leave the UK and lose all my plans to live a good life here, but  Ghazala reassured me that I would get my life back. I couldn’t even properly share what was happening to me with my family, because the culture there is very different and they just wanted the marriage to work.

Ghazala found organizations to help me with my case, stood by me when I disclosed things I never thought I could share with anyone, and made me feel safe and understood. She was always there for me checking on me and ensuring my well-being. She didn’t just witness my pain; she actively worked to pull me out of it.

During the whole time Ghazala was also supporting me with trying to find employment.  She tirelessly followed up on my job applications, sought out the best opportunities for me, and motivated me every step of the way.  She continuously reassured me that I’d find the job that I wanted.

Ghazala reassured me that I needed to choose a job based on what was right for me; according to what I wanted and needed at this challenging time in my life.  She explained work was important to take me out of the house and to help keep my mind focused on something else.

When I look at my future now, it looks so much better.  Thanks to Ghazala’s encouragement, my life has hope now.  I’m thinking about working with older people. On Tuesday I even have an interview at a centre for the elderly.  I’m so excited to give back.  It’s a volunteering role and I know it will help lift my mood.  I’ll do the training and the volunteering and it may even lead to a whole new career for me.  I knew I wasn’t mentally in the right place for a busy office job, so this feels like a good pace for me right now.  It’s not always about finding a job, sometimes it’s about finding peace.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the life-changing impact Ghazala has had on me. She has been far more than an Employment Advisor; she has been a guiding light, a source of strength, and someone who has treated me with the care and love of a family member.

Before I met Ghazala, I was trapped in a cycle of domestic and sexual abuse. I had surrendered my power, unable to recognize the depth of what I was enduring. As victims, we often fail to see the reality of our situation, but Ghazala opened my eyes. She told me, with compassion and clarity, that what I was facing was real abuse, and she refused to let me remain trapped in my ex-husband’s plans. She gave me the courage to say no, to reclaim my life, and to stop living in fear.

Ghazala has profoundly changed my life. She gave me the tools to break free from the darkest chapter of my life and to believe in a brighter future. Today, I stand stronger, with a clearer vision of my goals, because of her unwavering support and guidance.

Your support via Twining-Hestia has been a beacon of hope, helping me navigate some of the most challenging moments of my life.

Thank you, Ghazala, from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget the kindness, care, and wisdom you have shared with me. You have saved me in ways I can never fully express, and I will always be grateful to have had you by my side.

*Names and pictures changed to protect client anonymity.

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