My home was raided by the Police in November 2009 as my husband was keeping drugs in the loft. Both of us were arrested, kept overnight and released on bail the next day. My daughters were really traumatised by this. My first thought when I got home was 'I'm moving house' but with it being close to Christmas, and as it was where my daughters grew up, we decided to stay.

After Christmas, graffiti about my husband was put on the underpass wall which was where my daughters walked to school. They were seeing that everyday, which had a bad effect on them. I walked through the village with my head down as I felt embarrassed about what had happened, especially as I had never been involved with the Police before.

Early January 2010 I told my husband I wanted a separation, and he moved out in February. We have stayed amicable because of our daughters. My biggest concern was for the emotional state of my youngest daughter, who had become withdrawn and quiet. I contacted her school for support, and the Student Support Officer came out to visit me.

A referral was made to St Giles Trust as one the CAFE Project Workers, Heather Town, had started a drop-in at my daughter's school. I met with Heather, who helped me understand the criminal justice process and explained what happens in Court. I spent my time focussing on my youngest daughter, especially as things were being said to her at school about the graffiti. Heather discussed with me a parenting programme that was on offer, and I volunteered myself to be put forward. This is helping me become more confident with my parenting.

I moved house on 1st May via a Council exchange. This all happened really quickly, and Heather was on hand to support my family through this. As a way of boosting my employment experience, I applied to become a volunteer on the CAFE Project.

 Following a successful application I have become a St Giles Trust volunteer, and I am really enjoying the work. I have created a 'summer holiday challenge' for Heather's clients to get involved with, and also support the CAFE team with client work. My youngest daughter is no longer withdrawn and is doing well at school. My other daughters are also getting on better, especially since the house move.

I have recently started dating my husband, with the view of possibly getting back together in the future. We are waiting for him to have his Court appearance in July, which makes me feel glad in a way as it has changed him back into the man I married twenty years ago.

I have found the CAFE Project to be an invaluable service. The team are always there to help and advise, in a non-judgemental manner. My youngest daugher in particular has really benefitted from Heather's support. I do not think we would have got through all of this without CAFE.