Mental wellbeing award nomination for inspiring survivor of domestic abuse

A survivor of domestic abuse herself, Charlotte Brampton has used her traumatic experiences to help turn around other people’s lives.

With a deep desire to share the lessons from her story, Charlotte went one step further by setting up a life-changing support mission for survivors and victims of domestic abuse.

Having struggled to find the information and support she needed herself when trying to leave her abusive partner, Charlotte decided to start creating packs of invaluable resources to give victims the help that she had so dearly needed. She set up “A Survivor’s Story” to support victims of domestic abuse, and to reassure them that they are not alone.

Fellow domestic abuse survivor Tarra Jones saw what Charlotte was doing on social media, and joined her in her mission to help people start to heal. The two women have worked tirelessly raising funds for the cause in the intervening years.

The A Survivor’s Story packs include leaflets on where and how to find professional help and support from local charities and foodbanks. There are details of relevant charities in the Maidstone area, phone numbers of Kent-based refuges and details of how to obtain referrals for self-defence classes at Eskrimadors gym in Maidstone as well as therapy from Rewrite Your Story.

These packs are not only a source of practical guidance, but also provide a sense of emotional support, ensuring that survivors and victims from any background, race, gender identity and religion, and of any age, know that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there are people out there who care.

What’s more, the packs not only include details of services, but also include little pick-me-up gifts to bring a smile to the faces of recipients. These could be toiletries, articles of clothing, children’s toys or other small items. Charlotte is a firm believer that these items help to lift people’s mood and to grow a feeling of community and care in her organisation. All of the pick-me-ups are provided from the donation of items and gifts by local businesses, charities and individuals. The generosity of local people and companies mean that this very personal project can continue to flourish and expand.

Charlotte said: “Not only do I take great pleasure in helping other victims and survivors, my work with A Survivor’s Story has aided my own healing process. To know that you are not alone and that there are people out there who support and think of you is the first step on the journey to recovery.”

Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards Lead Simon Dolby said: “What a fantastic story of resilience and hope. Charlotte has turned a terrible situation into a positive one by sheer hard work and force of personality. She is a deserving nominee of a Kent Mental Wellbeing Award.”

The Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards is an annual event to showcase the people, organisations and initiatives that help us cope with life.

The awards are organised by the mental health charity Mind in Bexley and East Kent and are supported by a range of organisations in the sector. To submit a nomination visit www.kentmentalwellbeingawards.org.uk Follow the awards on Facebook and Twitter.