How Children First's support line helped one family through the darkest of times

Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, our support line can be there to help children and families 365 days a year. Together we’re giving children across Scotland, like Laura, Alfie and Struan a safer, brighter future.  

Young siblings Laura, Alfie and Struan* were devastated and in shock when their dad was taken away by the police and later sentenced to several years in prison for serious offences.  

Mum Rhona thought they were a normal family but overnight her world was turned upside down. She was left to pick up the pieces and Laura, Alfie and Struan, all in the early years of primary school, didn't understand why their dad was gone. 

Rhona was frantic with worry about the future and how she would be able to support her children through this.  

it was incredibly hard for all of them to go out into the community after what had happened. The children were reluctant to see family and friends and felt confused and distressed. Laura was bullied terribly at school and before long didn’t want to go. 

Every day there was a new challenge for each child and Rhona was understandably completely overwhelmed and struggling to cope with everything. She felt she had nowhere to turn to get support for her and her children. 

She called the Children First support line and immediately spoke to one of our team, Harry. He was kind, understanding and checked in with her regularly to see how she and the children were doing. He asked the right questions, he understood the individual needs of each child and helped Rhona find strength, reassurance and hope in this dark time.  

Since then, Rhona has been a regular support line caller. 

Rhona said: “The support Children First provides is vital. The children and I are on a long road and there is no quick fix to our situation. 

“When the children have been behaving in a challenging way, I know I can pick up the phone and support line is there for me. Every member of the team is really helpful. They give practical advice on how to deal with situations calmly as a parent and provide me with reassurance when I am questioning myself. 

“It’s helped me strengthen my relationships with my children and improved our communication with each other. They are all now going to school and coping well with that. Every day I’m thinking about how I can help them to process what has happened, how best to talk to them about it and how I can best support them. 

“The support line team really get it. They never judge and know there is no such thing as a perfect parent. They are empathetic and let you know you are not alone. They don’t just listen – they hear you. 

“We have a lot still to navigate in the years ahead but I’m so glad support line is there for us and for other families.” 

Rhona added: “If you are thinking about calling Children First’s support line, just do it. Share the problem rather than keep it to yourself. The team have huge expertise and experience. They understand the challenges of bringing up children.  

“If you’re struggling or just need to rant, they are there for you and will help you to move forward. 

“When I first called the support line a few years ago, I felt I couldn’t trust anyone after what had happened to us. But over time the team built my trust. The support line team was there for me and my children and still is.” 

*Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family. 

If you are a parent or carer who is struggling, call our support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.