At Kyra, we see every day how support, community, and compassion can help women rebuild their lives.
In this blog, Ashley shares her journey from a time when everything felt overwhelming, to where she is now: a Kyra trustee and wellbeing workshop facilitator, supporting other women on their own paths.
Ashley’s journey: from survival to strength, reclaiming her voice, confidence, and a life that feels her own again
Ashley’s journey with Kyra is one of strength, growth, and finding your way back to yourself.
Before coming to Kyra, Ashley was going through an incredibly difficult chapter. After leaving an abusive relationship, she was facing post-separation abuse, ongoing court cases, and the realities of single parenting two young children; all while trying to hold everything together day-to-day.
Sadly, Ashley’s experience is far from uncommon. In the UK, an estimated 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. The impact can be long-lasting, affecting mental health, confidence, and everyday functioning, with many survivors experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma responses long after leaving the relationship.
Ashley describes that time as overwhelming and isolating. Even small decisions felt impossible, and her confidence had been worn down to the point where everyday tasks became a struggle.
Finding Safety and Support at Kyra
Ashley first heard about Kyra through IDAS. Like many women, she wasn’t sure what to expect – but she took that first step anyway.
What she found here made all the difference. At Kyra, Ashley experienced something she hadn’t felt in a long time: safety, understanding, and validation. There was no need to over-explain or justify what she’d been through. Staff and volunteers simply got it. That sense of being understood, without judgement, was a huge relief.
Through counselling at Kyra, Ashley found a true safe space to explore, heal, and begin rebuilding. She describes it as somewhere she could finally start to process everything she’d been through without fear or judgement. She also took part in the SOFIA course (a 4-week programme focused on managing anxiety) which helped her begin to steady some of the overwhelming feelings she was carrying.
Completing the Freedom Programme was a turning point, helping her understand and accept parts of her experience so she could start to move forward. Alongside this, Kyra supported Ashley to access a free legal consultation with Crombie Wilkinson, which led to strong representation during an incredibly stressful and complex time.
But most importantly: being around other women who understood helped her feel less alone, and slowly, Ashley’s confidence began to return.
Counselling at Kyra offered a safe space to process, heal, and begin rebuilding
Building a Life Beyond Survival
The difference between then and now is huge.
Ashley has learnt to drive, bought her own home, and created a calm, safe environment for her children. She’s built a loving relationship and, just as importantly, rebuilt her relationship with herself.
She now runs a community project focused on mental health and wellbeing, delivering workshops across the city, including here at Kyra.
Giving Back as a Trustee
Ashley is now also a trustee at Kyra, helping to shape the organisation that once supported her.
She’s been involved in community initiatives, including fundraising efforts to support women affected by domestic abuse and mental health challenges. Her journey has come full circle – moving from accessing support to creating it for others.
A Message to Other Women
Ashley’s message is simple, but powerful:
“Be brave and give it a chance. At the very least you will see that you are not alone.”
Domestic abuse can take away your confidence, your voice, and your sense of self. But with the right support, things can change.
Walking through Kyra’s doors might just be the first step towards finding yourself again.
If Ashley’s story resonated with you, you can help make journeys like hers possible. Donate, volunteer your time, or fundraise for Kyra to support women rebuilding their lives.
Every contribution – big or small – helps us continue offering safe, compassionate support to those who need it most.
