A Bath-based charity has profoundly changed the life of a local family, providing vital support through unimaginable hardship. Mary* credits the Bath Centre of Trauma Recovery UK with saving her life after the organisation helped her and her step-son Henry* navigate their immense trauma.
Henry, Mary’s husband’s son from a previous relationship, endured severe abuse and neglect during his early months living with his biological mother. From the age of six months, he suffered physical violence and was often left confined in his playpen or buggy for hours. When social services intervened, 17-month-old Henry bore multiple injuries, including two black eyes.
Despite no convictions against Henry’s biological mother or her boyfriend—each blaming the other—the toddler was placed in care. Eventually, Mary and her husband gained custody, but Henry’s early trauma cast a long shadow on the family’s daily life.
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Henry would panic during routine care, often crying out, “You’re killing me, you’re killing me!” His distress was so acute it drew concern from neighbours, who mistakenly feared ongoing abuse. He also exhibited troubling behaviours, such as trying to eat metal objects and struggling with tasks like tying his shoelaces—signs Mary initially did not recognise as trauma-related.
“It was like I didn’t have the language to understand what he was going through,” Mary explained.
Their turning point came when they were referred to the Bath Trauma Recovery Centre (TRC). The centre supports children and young adults up to 24 years old who have experienced abuse, operating across four locations: Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, and Guernsey.
The organisation has faced hostility from some abusers, including vandalism and threats against staff. Founder and psychotherapist Betsy de Thierry even had to relocate her family for their safety. Despite financial challenges, with expenses occasionally exceeding income, the centre remains steadfast in its mission. “We never say no to a child who needs us,” says Betsy.
Thanks to TRC’s dedicated staff, Henry was provided a safe space to process his trauma and begin healing. Mary also received vital support to cope with her ‘secondary trauma’ – the emotional strain caused by her son’s experiences.
Reflecting on the impact, Mary said, “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 rubbish mum; I’m a mum doing her best without the right tools—until now.”
While challenges remain, the family has found hope and progress. Henry has achieved excellent GCSE results, is currently studying for his A Levels, and aims to attend a prestigious Russell Group university.
The Bath Trauma Recovery Centre continues to be a sanctuary for countless children who have never felt truly safe, offering healing, hope, and a path forward.
(* Names have been changed to protect identities.)