International Women’s Day 8th March 2025
Celebrating Emily
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women everywhere. Today is also about shining a light on those whose voices too often go unheard—women who have faced homelessness, abuse, and unimaginable hardship. ‘Emily’s’ story is a powerful reminder of the challenges many women endure, but also of the hope and transformation that is possible with the right support.
At Stonepillow, our Women’s Project exists to provide not just shelter, but a pathway to recovery, empowerment, and a brighter future. ‘Emily’s’ courage in sharing her journey with us is a testament to that mission, and I am honoured to introduce her story.
Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and stand in solidarity with ‘Emily’ and all the other woman with similar stories who are not quite ready to share them.
Lady Eloise Gordon Lennox – Patron
I’ve known some troubling times. My earliest days were spent with my birth family, both my parents. Soon after my school years began my parents split up. My elder brother went with Dad and I went with Mum. Mum couldn’t cope and turned to various men for comfort, but they were not safe to be around. Between the ages of 8 and 11 I was abused by various men, they were all associated with my Mum. These were my darkest years. I eventually told my brother about the abuse I was suffering and he convinced me to go to the police. Unfortunately, this didn’t result in any help as I was told there was a lack of evidence, until one of the men attacked another child. He was then convicted and imprisoned.
Amidst my teenage troubles I made a suicide pact with my best friend, tragedy struck as she died. This sadness haunts me. Eventually, social services stepped in and I lived in various care homes and foster homes, this was really unsettling until I landed with a very kind foster family who took me on as their own. I still call them mum and dad.
Throughout my life I have had various physical and mental health challenges, including numerous operations. My foster family have been my support. I spent several years in mental health institutes, then returned to my foster family. This was more challenging as I was an adult by now. After a big argument with my foster family, a suicide attempt and hospital stay, I declared myself homeless. The hospital directed me to the local council for help.
At the council I was introduced to a Stonepillow worker and was supported to temporarily return to my foster family. Stonepillow began the task of finding accommodation for me. As an adult I was desperate for my own space. Eventually, my support worker came with me to an assessment at Stonepillow’s Women’s Project. To my relief I was offered a space.
The Women’s Project gave me my own space and help with any problems I was having. I felt respected and understood. My peers were kind and together we did various activities like the cinema, swimming, cooking and crafts. I found a daily purpose by volunteering at a local charity shop. Over time I have been given greater responsibilities. Keeping customers happy is my forte. I love being able to help the charity and give back to my community.
I started the Bridging Course at the University of Chichester last year but was unable to complete it due to medical issues. However, I’m returning this year to complete the course.
I am now living in my own home, I have a tenancy, and I have a future. When I think of my hopes and dreams they always feature animals, I joke that I’d like my own zoo. I’ve settled for a rabbit for now! I’m told I’m tenacious by those who know me well. I’ve known great adversity but I’m determined to make the most of my life and put the past behind me.
As a woman I am grateful to Stonepillow’s Women’s Service for encouraging me to look beyond the day, towards the future and to know that further education is not beyond me, and I can make a difference wherever I go. Women need a place of safety to begin to reach this conclusion. Thank you, Stonepillow.
To Support more clients like Emily to change their lives, donate today: Donate – Stonepillow
