Samira - I feel much better about myself

Mariam has been working with a family worker, Lianne for four months. Mariam was depressed and feeling isolated after separating from her partner who had since left the country.

In the beginning Mariam worked with Lianne on finding child care and sorting out her medical care. As Mariam trusted Lianne more they were able to talk more about the things that were getting Mariam down. Mariam talked about the debts that she had been left with after her separation. She had thought she was helping her partner sort out the cash flow for his business, when really he was building up gambling debts. Now she had a personal loan and credit card debts that she was struggling to repay.

Lianne helped Mariam find a financial counsellor who was able to help her negotiate with her creditors and consolidate her debts.

As her financial position became more manageable Mariam had more energy, and was able to get out and enjoy life more. Her children benefited as she had a more positive outlook. Mariam found it particularly helpful when the financial counsellor told her that she wasn’t alone –many women face ‘sexually transmitted debt’.