One member's story!

I found Ferries Familys looking online for support groups. Shortly after having my second little boy, I began to become extremely anxious.

I recognised this one evening when I put my children to bed. My 3 year old and 12 week old. My husband had to work away so I was alone. Once I had put the children to bed I be,came fearful about what would happen if I didn't wake up.

That evening I went to bed and made sure that I opened all of the windows...bearing in mind it was January so pretty cold! My thoughts were that if something happened to me people would hear the children crying.

The following morning I woke, got the children dressed and upon my husbands return he commented on how cold the house was...that is when he realised I needed help.

I went to a doctor and began CBT. This was useful but not quite enough. I needed a safe place, a group of people that would support without judgement and that would help aid my recovery. That is when I found Ferries Family Groups!

My confidence grew over the months and I felt like I was healing...then the pandemic came. My anxiety returned so I went back to the doctor...I was diagnosed with health anxiety (hypochondria) and was given medication to take if I felt panicky and assigned a therapist which called me once a week as I had another course of CBT. Again, this wasn't quite enough but luckily I had my support group!

I got through a pandemic with extreme health anxiety! This is thanks to a combination of CBT and the support of a wonderful group of people. Zoom calls, a WattsApp group and knowing that I had a safe place to go has helped to to heal.

Throughout the pandemic Ferries Family Groups has given me the opportunity to bond with my boys in such a trying time. With one on one meetings and chats over a cuppa this has given me the "hug" I have needed when hugging isn't allowed, when we are told to remain socially distant, this has given me the opportunity to see someone face to face whilst my little one is able to play somewhere other than our home. My son has started school a confident little 3 year old with the help of Family Groups.

As well as the chats, one on one's and Zoom calls we have found that receiving arts and crafts supplies and sports equipment an essential part of our bonding as a family. We have enjoyed making, crafting and playing together. This has helped us communicate in such a worrying time as well as helping us to become more mindful. Overall our wellbeing has improved and we have become more resilient during the past year thanks to Ferries Family Groups.

My confidence has grown and I am now doing a nurturing course with Ferries Familys to give me the skills to move forward and with the view to help and inspire others.