Beth’s story

Growing up, Beth never felt safe. Her mother suffered severe mental health problems and mentally and physically abused her. Sometimes she would even starve her.

Locked in

As Beth grew older, her mother’s behaviour became even more abusive. Beth would be kept locked in the house during the day, only to be kicked out at night. On another occasion, she was chased around the house with a hammer.

Helpless

Things got out of control soon after Beth turned 16. As she tried to leave the house one day, her mother and uncle dragged her to the floor. They kicked and stamped on her, and smashed her phone so she couldn’t call for help. Beth’s mother told her she wished she’d never been born.

Kicked out for good

The relationship between Beth and her mother broke down completely, and Beth was kicked out. 'I didn’t have anywhere to go. I didn’t have any money. I didn’t know what to do.' One night she ended up in a park and wandered round in the dark, too frightened to stop and sleep.

Centrepoint

Beth was referred to Centrepoint, and the dark cloud hanging over her began to lift. ‘It was such a good experience,’ she recalls. ‘No matter what I needed, there was always someone to get advice from.’ She grew in confidence too: ‘Now I can do anything,’ she says. ‘I learned to look after myself, and they encouraged me to stay in education.’

A bright future

Beth has completed her A-levels and will be studying a Business degree at university this autumn. ‘Despite everything, things are looking up,’ she smiles. ‘Centrepoint has helped me so much.’