Nataysia came to us in 2021 following an eviction notice for disturbances from her previous accommodation. There was a lot of domestic violence, and her children had been removed from her care as she was self-medicating by misusing alcohol and substances as a coping mechanism.
Her relationship with the perpetrator had been on and off for the last six years and during that time she had suffered emotional, financial and physical abuse.
The relationship ended in November and Nataysia said she felt broken. She knew that it was a volatile situation, but she felt that she loved him. There was a trauma bond and she felt she was not able to cope, especially with Christmas coming and they had a lot of plans which had to be cancelled. She then spent Christmas alone, but she feels it made her stronger and gave her the realisation that she could live alone and be happy.
We discussed activities where she could meet new people and do something she enjoyed. I suggested education. She said that she would love to but doesn’t think her mental health could cope with college. I suggested Open University and we looked at the different degrees that might interest her. She settled on a BA Honours Degree in Criminology and Psychology which she began on the 1st of February 2025.
We applied for funding so that she had a laptop with the right specification to enable her to complete the course. We applied for student finance to pay for the tuition fees, and she has now had her books delivered.
Moving On Durham will support her every way that we can so that she remains positive to complete her degree.