Samuel’s story*
“The beach is my happy place”
Samuel came to refuge after witnessing domestic abuse at home. He was scared to share what he’d seen and heard because of the possible implications for himself and his family.
Samuel joined Just for You sessions with his Fortalice children’s support worker. We asked him to create a piece of artwork to show and explain his journey.
He found some parts of his trauma extremely difficult to speak about – so much so at one point during a session he turned the lights out and sat under the table to avoid eye contact. He said he found it easier to talk this way.
Samuel shared memories and experiences that upset and troubled him, some he found confusing and others scary. We worked on his feelings and emotions and he recognised these from the cues his body was giving him. We talked about managing strong feelings and emotions and how to represent these using colour. He suggested reds and oranges for how he felt at home and on entering the refuge.
Samuel used a volcano to show people how he felt at the start of his sessions. Hot, exploding, danger, it symbolises his bubbling strong feelings, ever present below the surface, waiting to explode. Emotions which can be associated with the home environment and the underlying current that exists in between incidents of domestic abuse.
As he worked through his trauma, Samuel continued to feel strong emotions. The middle section of his artwork shows how the strategies he learnt helped him feel fewer negative emotions and express his positive feelings.
He chose a beach scene to express where he is now – calmer, relaxed and happier. He wanted to add words to help people understand, but does not like his handwriting and didn’t want to “spoil” his work, so his support worker helped with the bubble writing.
He used his artwork to reflect and celebrate the achievement of where he’d got to. He felt lighter, brighter and proud of his behaviour. The blues and greens represent his “happy colours”.
Samuel’s story highlights the importance of services for children and young people in refuge. How transformative it can be to walk with children on their journey and make a positive difference to their lives.
Samuel understood that entering a refuge didn’t stop his feelings. Engaging with support services helped him unpick and make sense of his experiences and boosted his confidence. He is exceptionally proud of what he’s achieved, and rightly so.
* Name changed to protect identity
