Sadly, when her mum passed away, Lila felt a mix of emotions and initially some relief. As the first anniversary of her mum’s death approached, her grief resurfaced, making it hard for her to find joy in the things she once loved.
Our social worker, Dayle*, stepped in, recognising that Lila needed extra support. While helping her work through the complex emotions of grief, Dayle realised Lila needed more than professional guidance - she needed someone she could personally connect with. Dayle enrolled her in the Family Works Mentoring Programme, introducing her to a mentor who shared Lila’s interests and quickly became a source of comfort and encouragement.
Finding a mentor who understands and shares a young person’s passions can sometimes be a challenge, but in Lila’s case, the match was almost immediate. Her mentor, Ellie* who met with Lila weekly, also loved animals and brought a sense of fun and excitement to their time together.
This connection became a vital source of support for Lila as she continued to cope with her loss. Ellie* quickly became a shining light in Lila’s life, encouraging her to embrace her interests and helping her navigate her emotions.
As Christmas approached - a time that was especially hard for Lila since it had been her Mum’s favourite season - Dayle knew it was important to create a meaningful way for Lila to remember her Mum. Together, they crafted a special star decoration for the Christmas tree using materials Dayle had sourced. The star wasn’t just a simple ornament, it symbolised a connection to Lila’s Mum.
Whenever Lila misses her Mum, she goes outside and blows a kiss to the stars, finding comfort in their glow. Now, the star on her Christmas tree serves as a gentle reminder that her mother’s love is still shining down on her.
Lila and Ellie continued to meet regularly, with their bond growing stronger over time. On days when sadness felt overwhelming, they would step away from heavy conversations and simply enjoy each other’s company. They would dance to Taylor Swift, letting the music lift their spirits, or played games like Uno or Snakes & Ladders to lighten the mood.
Lila discovered that while it’s okay to feel sad, joy and connection can still find their way back. With Ellie’s support, Lila found hope, realising that even in the darkest times, friendship and understanding can bring light.
* Names and imagery have been to protect our client’s privacy.
