Free@last work closely with families and children within the Nechells area of Birmingham. Below is an example as to just the free@last team really do make a difference!

J’s mum has always struggled with the concept of acceptance and love. She now has 2 son’s, 8 years a part, with 2 different men who want nothing to do with them. J’s mum has spent a great deal of time trying to understand her parenting roles and responsibilities but at 12 years old, J had become too intolerable for her to have any authority over. 

Last year the team at free@last took all 3 of them on holiday,  and J, now 14, was abusive, violent and stroppy with most of the other families. He had no respect for his mum and had to be restrained 5 times by the free@last staff. J's mum was given some techniques to try and on the way home she took them for an ice-cream. J demanded the largest one in the shop and but his mum gave him a set amount of money to choose what he wanted. As he was about to kick off his mom removed herself and other son from the shop. J came outside, whereby free@last staff were with his mum and in front of them he began to physically assault her. The situation was contained, onlookers where asked not to film the incident, the police were called and the difficult problems continued. 

At home J was eventually taken into care but they too struggled to cope with him so Social Services returned him back to mom and said they could do no more to help J. Mum is now in fear for her life and her younger son is showing similar behavioral signs as J. The free@last team continue to meet and support J and his mum each week as that is the only support available to them.

All donations made will continue to support families like J and any donation made, whether big or small, will be appreciated!

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