A few stories below from people and families we have supported at The Meadows
All images on this page are indicative only.
FAMILY ‘A’
We have received numerous phone calls of support and guidance from all the staff and we have attended a family walk to discuss our current issues and great reassurance from the team in helping us in our situation.
We attended a COVID-safe inhouse meeting with support staff which was really nice to be back indoors, like a safe haven for myself and family. The support we have received as a family has been nothing short of impeccable and very much a life saver during what has and still is one of our toughest times we have endured as a family. From being in hospital throughout the year, my chronic illness was getting worse, being declared homeless and currently in temporary accommodation, the whole team have been there for myself and family.
Like a much-needed safety net that without their continued support we would have all fallen apart. We are incredibly grateful for all the services the group offer, we have received so many… from Christmas presents for our children as we were unable to afford Christmas, funding for our boiler to be fixed during last year whilst we were in the middle of being declared homeless and all throughout the pandemic. The staff have always been available to help guide us through the most difficult of times.
FAMILY ‘B’
Our lives have been transformed so much with The Meadows’ involvement.
Isolated before, it’s helped me learn about other stories, carry less shame and be more open about my experience from a pragmatic approach. I’ve been able to assimilate my involvement with the relationship and have been able to become a stronger resilient mother for my daughter. I have healthier boundaries now and have discovered self-respect. Its impacted every area of my life. I now have a new job, better relationships with friends and family and am more trusting of myself. Thanks again.
FAMILY ‘C’
The group has supported me through the toughest year of my life, helping me move my children’s school, giving me advice.
When my children were out of school we attended more of the groups and they were very accommodating and understanding to the girls, and also supported me with challenges past the job description. Once I moved home, my kids had been sleeping on mattresses on the floor. They provided vouchers so I could order a bed which was a relief and made such a difference and food packages, support phone calls and emotional support. The Meadows are amazing and a lifeline for many. I can’t rate it enough as it is the most supportive organisation that me and my family have ever had.
What Else You Have Told Us
It’s helped me having someone to talk to, de-stress and emotional support.
It is good to have someone there who is responsive and interested. I have asked for advice and the staff are very knowledgeable they are like an umbrella that directs you to the right services, unlike many other places that only know what their organisation does.
Massive, I have not had any contact from other agencies since December and the calls and messages have been so important to me, I can’t stress enough how important it has been to have someone to talk to about everything.
It helped to talk to someone about all the worries, schooling, etc. Great to have reassurance that I am not the only one struggling and that I’m doing OK.
It’s really nice, there is not any other group like it that continues to give support.
I’ve really appreciated the food boxes; it has helped so much. I’ve had loads of support with emotional stuff and children challenges. The staff have kept me sane. Great to have someone I can call to say help me. I had to have an operation and staff set up a support group of other parents to support me whilst recovering. The packs and the zoom art were good, and it was good to see people. The zoom made me feel better. I’m so thankful to be in an area where there is so much support.
When you have been through difficulties in life, it is nice to find people that understand what you are going through and if you have a breakdown, they don’t say pull yourself together and get out of your pjs but help you find the first step to feeling better again.
It was very helpful to me and helped me to keep in touch with other members etc. Nice to still keep in touch with family support workers too. The food boxes were gratefully received.
Group activities are therapeutic and a chance to meet new people who have been in similar situations, a place where you can feel safe and not judged. It gave me a social life. Activities were fun and informative
Feedback from the Freedom and Forever programmes
WOMAN ‘A’
I really appreciate the time and preparation that has gone into these programmes, I wish I’d done it sooner. The ladies are always there to support and give advice. Thank you.
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart! What you offer to us all in the group, and how you offer it, both with your unique and wonderful personalities and care is so comforting, nurturing and caring and supportive! You’ve helped me more than I feel I can express in words. Although topics of sessions are sometimes difficult, the group and environment you both help to create together is so powerfully uplifting, and a real boost to my own mental health, self-esteem and confidence! I’ve come so far, and I owe you both great thanks for allowing me to attend a space and providing the right environment where I felt able to grow in knowledge, self-awareness and understanding, but also where I could heal, make some wonderful friends, and feel better about myself around! I am forever grateful.
WOMAN ‘B’
WOMAN ‘C’
I have a better understanding of abuse and how it might affect my children. I feel more connected with my kids as I better understand and listen to them.
We spend more quality time together and I enjoy parenting more. I am planning to go to university as it is something I always wanted to do but I feel more confident now. I understand the importance of self-care and practice it daily.
The Meadows
Children and Family Wing
299 Arbury road
Cambridge CB4 2JL
Open 51 weeks a year across all the sessions.
Call us: 01223 508144
Email: info@mcfw.co.uk
©2024 THE MEADOWS CHILDREN & FAMILY WING | PRIVACY POLICY | Registered Charity No 1075129 since 1997

