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When Sarah arrived at SIG Penrose HerStory House nine months ago, she was navigating significant challenges and questioning her own self-worth. Through consistent staff support, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to grow, her journey has become one of resilience, self-compassion, and renewed ambition. In this interview, Sarah reflects on how trust, creativity, and determination have helped her rebuild confidence and take important steps towards an independent and fulfilling future.
You’ve been part of SIG Penrose HerStory House for nine months now. What positive changes or personal growth have you noticed in yourself during this time?
Reflecting on my last nine months at HerStory House, the most significant change I’ve noticed is the shift in how I view myself. When I first arrived, my self-worth was largely defined by my past and the challenges I was facing. However, through the support and safety of this community, I’ve begun to silence my inner critic and replace it with a sense of genuine self-compassion. I no longer see myself as a collection of my mistakes, but as a person with inherent value and a future worth fighting for. This newfound confidence has allowed me to set healthier boundaries and finally believe that I deserve the positive life I am building.
How has building trust with staff and your keyworker supported your journey and boosted your confidence?
Building a foundation of trust with the staff and my keyworker has been a turning point in my journey. Initially, it was difficult for me to open up, but their consistency and non-judgmental support created a space where I felt safe enough to be honest about my challenges. This trust has directly boosted my confidence; because I feel supported, I am no longer afraid to set ambitious goals or take the necessary steps toward independence. Knowing that I have a dedicated team that believes in my potential has finally allowed me to start believing in myself.
Family seems to be an important part of your life. How do those connections motivate or support you day to day?
Family is the heartbeat of my journey. Their presence in my life acts as both a safety net and a powerful motivator; knowing I have their support gives me the emotional strength to face difficult days with a sense of purpose. Whether it’s a quick phone call or a shared goal for the future, these connections remind me that I’m not just rebuilding my own life, but also strengthening the foundation for my entire family. Their belief in my growth has been a massive boost to my confidence, helping me realise that I am capable of being the supportive, reliable person they deserve.
You’re a very creative person. Can you share what writing poems or singing means to you and how creativity plays a role in your wellbeing?
For me, creativity is much more than a pastime; it is a vital part of my emotional well-being. Writing poetry allows me to process my thoughts and give a voice to feelings that sometimes feel too heavy to carry. It helps me organise my inner world and see my own growth on the page. It’s a way to physically let go of tension and find joy in the present moment. Together, these creative outlets act as my ‘reset button.’ They boost my confidence by reminding me that I have a unique voice and the power to create something meaningful, no matter what I’ve been through.
You’ve achieved qualifications in animal care. What inspires your dream of volunteering with animals, and what kind of role would you love to try in the future?
Achieving my qualifications in animal care was a huge milestone for me, and it has fuelled my dream of volunteering in the field. I am inspired by the silent, non-judgmental bond that animals share with us; I’ve found that caring for them brings me a sense of peace and “groundedness” that is vital to my wellbeing. In the future, I would love to explore a role in animal rehabilitation or shelter work, where I can help vulnerable animals regain their health and trust. My goal is to use the skills I’ve learned to be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves, while continuing to grow my own confidence through meaningful, hands-on work.
You’re currently working on new goals, such as finding accommodation and navigating London independently. What steps are helping you build confidence, and what are you most proud of so far?
Navigating London and finding my own accommodation has been both a challenge and a massive source of growth. The steps that have helped me most are breaking down big goals into daily ‘mini-missions’, whether that’s mastering a new bus route or staying organised with my housing applications. Every time I successfully navigate a new part of the city, my confidence grows; I’m proving to myself that I can be independent and self-reliant. I am most proud of my persistence. Despite how overwhelming the housing search can feel, I have remained focused and proactive. Seeing myself take these concrete steps toward my own front door makes me realise just how far I’ve come in the last nine months.
As Sarah prepares to take her next step and move on from HerStory House, she does so with renewed confidence, strong support networks, and clear goals for her future. Importantly, this isn’t goodbye; Sarah is already looking ahead to returning as a peer mentor, hoping to use her lived experience to inspire and support other women on their own journeys. HerStory House is proud to have been part of her story and looks forward to welcoming her back in this new role.
