Ellie grew up never having a place to call home.
From the age of four she lived with her grandma and stayed in various flats and even a squat. Her grandma then felt she could no longer look after Ellie and sent her back to live with her mother.
Ellie’s mum moved them in with her boyfriend, but left after her partner became violent and abused her and Ellie. They spent the next few years moving around various cities. During this time, Ellie was subjected to emotional and sexual abuse by her mother’s boyfriends. Then, when she was just 15, Ellie’s mum left her alone in Sheffield and moved to another city.
When Ellie first came to Depaul she was eight months pregnant with no place to call home, no belongings and no support from family or friends. Depaul Sheffield gave her accommodation and, through support, Ellie developed the tools to control her life, build her confidence and the ability to plan her own future without being afraid. She worked with a family nurse to learn parenting skills and prepare for looking after her baby.
Depaul helped Ellie to secure a flat in time for her son’s birth, and now, for the first time in her life, she has her own home. Ellie is dedicated to being a great mother and building a life for her and her son. She has joined a baby group where she meets other first-time mums and gets parenting support.
Both Ellie’s mum and grandma had children at 15 and never finished school or had a job. Ellie is determined not to follow in their footsteps. Last month, she started a college course and has a place for her son at a local childcare centre while she is in class.
Everyone at Depaul wishes Ellie the best of luck. We are sure she has a bright future ahead of her!
