Gurinder’s* story

Gurinder is young mum with a three year old daughter called Jama* whose life has been blighted by drug problems.  She had been using heroin for a number of years and served short spells in prison for dealing. When we came into contact with Gurinder she had just embarked on a methadone programme and was determined to turn her life around.  However, she had another drug dealing charge hanging over her and was awaiting sentencing.

Our Support Worker Aftaar spent time with Gurinder and Jama.  It became apparent that Jama had some behavioural problems due to the fact she had been separated from Gurinder during her spells in custody.  In turn, Gurinder felt a huge sense of guilt in not being present for Jama and was trying to make up for it.

Gurinda was also isolated and had no support networks.  She was often late for nursery and missed bonding with other parents.  To help her with this, Aftaar arrived at Gurinder’s flat at 8am every morning and accompanied mother and daughter to nursery, trying to encourage a routine to develop.  He also supported Gurinder with parenting skills and referred her to a parenting course.

Gurinder also felt housebound and said she did not get the opportunities to bond with her daughter out of the house.  Aftaar arranged for visits to places such as Hackney City Farm where Gurinder and Jama could meet other parents and children and learn together.

Gurinder had embarked on a Gym Trainer qualification when she was last in prison and expressed a desire to pursue this.  We are in the process of trying to access free gym activities for Gurinder so she can take this forward and go swimming together with Jama.

We have sourced a small computer for Gurinder so she can learn IT skills and a contact from the NSPCC has agreed to donate toys for Jama.

After years of substance misuse and offending to support her habit, Gurinder is now positive about her future. However, she was recently sentenced to a six month sentence for the dealing offence and this was unfortunate given the progress she had made. She will serve three months of her sentence in custody before being released on licence.  Aftaar continues to support her during her time in custody, with regular visits and support plans being drawn up for when she is released. He is also in the process of organising a family visit for Jama.

Despite this setback, Gurinder feels happier within herself and we are confident we can continue to support her, helping her remain crime and drug free upon her release from prison and provide a stable, loving home in which to bring up Jama. 

*both names have been changed.