Hello my name is Mary Smith.

I moved to the Hillingdon area in April 2020 right in the middle of our first national lockdown.

When we first moved here, we were in crisis mode. My child had experienced violence and trauma through exploitation into County Lines and we had been driven out of our home due to the threat of gang violence on our address. We knew no one here and were cut off from all our support. Hillingdon social services have been a vital lifeline in helping us put our lives together and start over. Our social worker has created an A star team that supports both my child and me, and this has included working with the safeguarding team at the school, St Giles Trust youth worker, housing and employment support for myself, even brainstorming ideas on making new friends during a pandemic! They have really helped in turning what felt like an impossible situation into something we can work with and emerge stronger from.

Mary Smith

My name is Halimo Yusuf

I live in the borough of Hillingdon. Some years ago, I was brought to this country not knowing anyone. I was a stranger in a strange place not even knowing the language and the culture.

After so many years of burying my problems within myself, I finally tried to get some help. One day I called the Local Authority Family Service who I feared before, due to the misconception I heard in my community. However, they helped me and my family. They were the opposite of what I had heard about them and I am grateful to them.

I recently attended a Triple P Teens course with Brilliant Parents and found it to be extremely helpful. I now say a lot less negative things and speak more positively to my children.

I will encourage my community to get the help they need and confirm there is nothing to be afraid of.
Many thanks
Halimo