Case Study – Sarah’s Journey

Sarah’s Case study: Domestic violence survivor to a fresh start in life.



Before Ready 4 Home

‘’My life before Ready 4 Home was chaotic, I had been in a violent relationship for years, and when I finally found the courage to leave, I had nowhere safe to go. I spent nights on friend’s sofas and even in a shelter, but it never felt stable. I was constantly on edge, wondering where I’d be sleeping next,’’

Challenges of homelessness

Sarah described her time being homeless as one of the hardest periods of her life. She said ‘’I felt invisible. It wasn’t just about not having a roof over my head, it was the shame, the fear and the loneliness. Every day felt like survival, and I didn’t know who to trust. Even simple things like keeping clothes clean or eating properly were a challenge.’’

Sarah’s transition into Ready 4 Home

When Sarah was referred to Ready 4 Home, everything started to change.

‘’The referral process was so quick and easy, which was a relief after all the waiting i’d been through. From the very first call, the staff were warm, empathetic and reassuring. When I arrived, the house was spotless, my room was clean and homely. The staff introduced me to the other residents straight away. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe.’’

Feeling welcomed

Sarah said she felt part of her new community almost instantly.

‘’I was shown around the local area, and that helped me feel grounded. The staff made sure I knew where the health services were, and they encouraged me to connect with others so I didn’t feel isolated anymore. What stood out the most was how genuine everyone was, it wasn’t just a service, it felt like people really cared.’’

Sarah goes on to say ‘’ The biggest thing for me was reducing social isolation and helping me build a sense of community. I’d lost so many connections because of domestic violence abuse, but Ready 4 Home gave me the confidence to meet new people and helped me rebuild my life.’’

Support for moving forward

‘’The staff at Ready 4 Home really supported me’’ said Sarah. ‘’The team helped me get back on track, guiding me in the right direction to get comfortable in my new accommodation and once settled the support workers sat down with me to look at options I’d like to pursue a career in. With an interest in health and social care, the team helped me find my confidence again and reminded me of the skills and qualities I offer. I ended up going back to college and this was a huge step towards independence for me’’.

Seeking Permanent Accommodation

‘’When it was time to move on, Ready 4 Home guided me through the process for private accommodation. They didn’t just hand me forms and forget about me, they sat with me, explained each step, and even helped me prepare for viewing. That support made the difference between me feeling overwhelmed and me actually securing my own place.’’

Looking back

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah says ‘’Ready 4 Home gave me more than a roof, they gave me hope. I walked in broken, unsure of myself and I left with the tools, confidence and community to start a new life. I’ll always be grateful to the team that helped me in the darkest days of my life. I now look forward to a brighter future’’.