When I first arrived in Teach Tearmainn, I was broken and scared. I had been living for years in fear and trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical abuse.

From the moment I walked through the doors of Teach Tearmainn, I was greeted with warmed, kindness and understanding of my situation. There was no judgement, no demands to explain my past. The staff simply welcomed me into a space where I could feel safe and secure.

The access to the refuge was excellent.  Teach Tearmainn security was unbelievable, and it was always monitored by CCTV. The apartment was quiet, peaceful and the facilities in the apartment were great. I was able to cook my own meals which was great as I couldn’t do that in the past.

The support I received from Teach Tearmainn was brilliant, the staff weren’t there just to provide a roof over my head, they were there to listen, to guide and to help me rebuild my sense of self-worth. We had  safety planning in the sessions, which allowed me to learn how to keep safe in the future.

During the time in Teach Tearmainn, the most important lesson I’m taking away with me is: ‘I am worthy of a life free from fear and I’m capable of rebuilding.’ Teach Tearmainn not only gave me a safe place to heal physically and emotionally, but also gave me the confidence to start dreaming again.