Sara is a single mum with two young children and is in process of divorcing her husband. She hails from the Middle East and has lived in the U.K. for a good many years. Sara was referred to Laamiga by family support workers who were helping her.

Christine and Sara quickly developed an excellent relationship and Sara confided in Christine the details of her past because she trusted Christine implicitly. They met online every two weeks as Christine is not in London and together they worked through the challenges that Sara was facing.

They worked on short- and long-term goals so that Sara could see that she had a purpose. Sara started working towards her goals and over the course of the year, started achieving those goals. Christine was there to encourage and guide and help when Sara was at times tired and demotivated. It was so rewarding when Sara started her course to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and started at her one-day placement. Her excitement was tangible.

Christine has advised and guided in personal matters but has always maintained the stance that Sara has the final decision because this empowered her and made her realise that she is a woman who is strong, courageous and brave.

It has been rewarding for both Sara and Christine and they have built a good friendship which they intend to keep. Christine felt that her skills as a coach and mentor were used to assist Sara and give her the tools to build a successful and happy life. Sara enjoyed working with Christine and commented that it was so good to have someone to talk to who would not judge her but would build her up.

It was a pleasure to be able to work with Laamiga to develop skills and build confidence in Sara.