Josh was 14 when he and his mother Sarah were referred to Yellow Door, following their experience of domestic abuse. Both Sarah and Josh had experienced psychological and physical abuse from Sarah’s partner for many years, although were no longer in contact with him.

Josh had been struggling with his emotions and was also becoming both physically and verbally abusive in the family setting. Sarah was struggling emotionally.

Josh and Sarah went to Yellow Door for 10 sessions and benefited from having both a male and female therapist working with them. They spent time expressing difficult thoughts and were able to hear each other’s perspective. They were helped to make changes and Josh has not shown any physical behaviour towards Sarah since starting therapy, with them in a much better place now.

Jaye is only 17. She had fallen out with her mum and moved in with friends. Worried about where she will sleep in the future, Jaye struggled to go to college, anxious about the work she’d be missing, resulting in having panic attacks and feeling low. A friend suggested that she went along to the No Limits’ Advice Centre on Southampton High Street. She was seen straightaway by a youth worker who listened to her, spoke with her college, who put support in place for her to help her catch up with her work and offered support from a specially trained No Limits youth worker. Talking about her experience, Jaye said “Coming to No Limits has really taken a weight off me, they have helped with all my issues at once. The youth workers are really good at listening and helping – and they really don’t judge you. I’ve made up with my mum and am doing better at college – thank you No Limits.”

Imagine a world where families whose children are neuro diverse or have mental health issues, a safe space to be seen, heard and supported, with advice and guidance easily at hand.  A world that accepts us, removes anxiety, recognises our needs, validates our contributions and equips our children to thrive. At Re:Minds this is our vision and we move a little bit closer to it every day.

Debbie, a parent who contact Re:Minds for support, said “When you become a special needs parent it is lonely, scary and isolating.  You feel like you don't matter.  Re:Minds make me feel heard, they make me feel like I matter.  When I am struggling, they are my first port of call for support.  They offer groups, talks, courses, workshops, advice clinics with professionals and so much support online and face-to-face. There is no judgement, just understanding.  They are my lifeline.'