Carmel's Story

“I suddenly found myself cold, isolated and desperate, not knowing where to turn.”

In December 2015, Carmel’s relationship reached a breaking point. What had become increasingly abusive ended abruptly when she was forced to leave, with nowhere to go.

“Because of the relationship, my support network had shrunk. My family were supportive, but no one had space for me. I suddenly found myself with bags of clothes… and no idea what to do next.”

With nowhere else to turn, Carmel went to a police station in Chelmsford. Recognising how vulnerable she was, officers arranged a few nights in a motel near Harlow. But it was only ever a short-term solution.

“Just after Christmas, I had to leave. I was advised to go to the council, but I felt completely alone and frightened. I didn’t know what would happen next.”

Having some connections to Southend, Carmel approached the council there. That’s when she was introduced to HARP.

A warm welcome

When Carmel first arrived at the Bradbury Day Centre, the change was immediate.

“I was greeted with such warmth. I had a proper breakfast, but more importantly, I was given a support worker who showed me real kindness. They took the time to understand how broken I felt.”

That winter, Carmel stayed in a church-run night shelter before moving into HARP’s temporary accommodation at Heath House. A few weeks later, she was offered a place in HARP’s women-only accommodation, where she stayed for the next couple of years.

“It became a place where I could finally begin to rebuild.”

Starting to heal

With the support of HARP’s team, Carmel began to address the deeper impact of what she had experienced.

“They helped me beyond anything I could have imagined. I joined parts of the recovery programme, accessed counselling and got help with my finances. I started to understand the trauma I’d been living with, and how it had affected my mental health.”

That support marked the beginning of a longer journey towards stability.

“Their support helped me start healing.”

Hope again

Carmel moved on from HARP’s accommodation in 2018 and has continued to rebuild her life since.

“I’ve got my own flat now and I’m rebuilding my life, step by step.”

She now works as a face painter at children’s events and hopes to grow this into a small business.

“I feel hopeful again, something I couldn’t have imagined back in 2015.”