Thank you so much. You don’t know how much it means to us to have this help, especially when we are going through this painful journey.

Anna

A devastating incident

Helena* was fatally stabbed by her husband, leaving their three children as witnesses to the horrific event. Helena had no family in the UK except for her cousin, Anna*, who lived in England. Despite the physical distance, the bond between Helena and Anna was incredibly strong, akin to that of sisters. Following the incident, Anna rushed to Scotland to support the children, determined to be their guardian and provide them with a stable home.

Anna was referred to Victim Support Scotland (VSS) by Police Scotland. Overwhelmed by the immense responsibility and profound loss, Anna needed both emotional and practical assistance.

Anna was grappling with the intense grief of losing her cousin while simultaneously taking on the role of a caretaker for three young boys. The emotional toll was heavy, compounded by financial struggles that made it difficult to provide for the children's basic needs. They were reliant on food banks and charity for food and clothing, adding to their stress and insecurity.

We were able to provide consistent emotional support through weekly home visits and phone calls. Anna’s support worker offered a compassionate ear, discussing traumatic grief and the criminal justice system to help her to understand the process ahead. When the family was ready, we referred them to a counselling service to further support their emotional healing.

Understanding the financial strain, we explained the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) and helped the family apply for it. The fund provided essential resources, including a Ring doorbell that enhanced their sense of security. Gift cards for food and clothing allowed the children to feel more accepted at school, alleviating some of their anxieties and helping them to fit in.

The support from the EAF made a significant difference. The Ring doorbell helped the family feel safer, knowing they could see who was at their door even when they weren't home. The gift cards meant they no longer had to rely on food banks and charity, which improved their general mental health and gave them a sense of normalcy. The children were thrilled to have new clothes that helped them blend in with their peers at school, boosting their confidence.

The comprehensive support provided by VSS and the SFBC team brought a sense of safety and dignity to the family. Anna expressed deep gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much. You don’t know how much it means to us to have this help, especially when we are going through this painful journey." This assistance allowed the family to focus on grieving and healing, knowing they had a stable support system.