Mary* credits a Bath-based charity with saving her life after it provided crucial support to her family during unimaginable hardship. Her step-son, Henry*, endured severe abuse and neglect before finding a path to recovery with the help of the Bath Centre of Trauma Recovery UK.
Henry’s early life was marred by physical violence and neglect while living with his biological mother. From just six months old, he suffered beatings and was often left confined to a playpen or buggy for extended periods. Social services intervened when Henry was 17 months old, noting multiple injuries including two black eyes. Despite the evidence, his mother was never convicted, and both she and her then-boyfriend exchanged blame. Henry subsequently spent time in care.
After gaining custody of Henry, Mary and her husband soon recognized the lingering effects of his trauma. Henry reacted with panic during simple tasks like bathing, crying out, “You’re killing me, you’re killing me!” Neighbours often reported these cries, concerned about possible ongoing abuse. Henry also engaged in dangerous behaviors such as trying to eat metal and struggled with basic skills like tying shoelaces—signs Mary initially did not understand as trauma.
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“I didn’t have the language for that,” Mary recalls.
Their turning point came with a referral to the Bath Trauma Recovery Centre, which serves children and young adults up to 24 years old who have experienced abuse. Operating from multiple locations including Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, and Guernsey, the centre has faced adversity—including vandalism and threats—yet remains steadfast in its mission. Founder and psychotherapist Betsy de Thierry once had to relocate her family for their safety.
Despite financial challenges, the centre never turns away a child in need. “We never say no,” Betsy affirms.
Thanks to the centre’s unwavering commitment, Henry found a secure environment to process his trauma, while Mary received support to cope with secondary trauma—emotional distress resulting from her son’s experiences.
Mary’s transformation is profound: “I’m sure the team have saved my life. Before, I felt like I was going insane. The TRC helped me understand that I’m not mad or a bad mum—I’m a mother doing her best without the right tools.”
Today, Henry’s progress is remarkable. He excelled in his GCSEs, is pursuing A Levels, and aspires to attend a prestigious Russell Group university. While challenges remain, the family has found resilience and hope.
Bath Trauma Recovery Centre continues to be a sanctuary for children who have never before known safety or peace.
(*Names have been changed to protect identities.)