Jane’s story: “I’ve found myself again”

She eventually became unable to cope, and her son went to live with his father. She felt like a failure. “I never felt good enough. When he left, I felt useless. I didn’t feel like I was worth anything.”

“I felt like I’d lost a lot of myself.”

While searching for support in the local area, she found the Porchlight website. She got in touch, and we introduced her to Aspirations worker Lori.

Our Aspirations service aims to reach people who are geographically or socially isolated. Our workers help people feel less lonely and isolated, improve their opportunities, and raise their self-esteem.

Jane said she enjoyed photography, so Lori sourced her a camera. She also helped her find volunteering opportunities and apply for courses. “She steered me in the right direction. It just helped having someone to have a coffee and a chat with.”

Jane says she now feels ready to be independent and strike out on her own. She’s secured a job working with people with brain injuries, cerebral palsy and autism in a supported residence. “Thanks to Lori I’ve got my confidence back,” she says, “I’ve found myself a job and I’m doing things for me.”

Lori’s support helped Jane come to terms with her son moving out and gave her the motivation she needed to move on. “Just knowing it wasn’t my fault, him leaving. I was doing the best thing for him.”

“Without Lori I would have been a very broken person. She’s changed my whole outlook on life. I’ve grown in confidence, I’ve grown in happiness, I’ve just grown as a person.”

Jane still enjoys photography. When her son visits, they go on walks and take photos together. She’s looking forward to starting her job and plans to study for an NVQ2 in care work.

“Porchlight saved me from a very dark place, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”