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Thank you to all our Radio 4 listeners who helped raise £13,869.
Jenny and Mike’s story
After domestic violence led to a breakdown in the relationship between their son and his partner, Jenny and Mike were denied all contact with their granddaughter. Before this Jenny and Mike had played a very active role in their granddaughter’s upbringing: from the age of three weeks she had stayed with them every weekend from Friday to Sunday, and one night during the week. Jenny and Mike both appreciated their son was at fault but felt they and their granddaughter were being punished for his wrong-doings. After five months of no contact they were seeking permission of the court to apply for visitation rights.
When Jenny and Mike secured a court hearing, I was able to meet them on the day and settle their nerves and anxieties about the legal process. We also discussed their hopes and expectations for the hearing. When Cafcass requested an impromptu meeting before entering the courtroom, I was able to sit with them and ensure they understood and that they were able to express the things they wanted to. After a couple more meetings, it was agreed by all parties that Jenny and Mike be granted indirect contact immediately, and contact would be gradually increased until their granddaughter had weekend visits again.
It costs £25 for a trained volunteer to help people alone in court. Jenny and Mike found the emotional strength and courage they needed to pursue contact through the court. Their anxiety was relieved, and their whole family’s happiness was restored. Jenny and Mike said they were ‘emotionally distressed’ prior to court, but with support they left feeling ‘healed, and excited for their future’.
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*names have been changed for confidently