Things have been extremely tough for me recently. I came out of a domestically abusive relationship last year and was moved into a women's refuge where I have been ever since. That wasn't where the issues ended as I have struggled a lot with my mental health. Mental ill health runs in my family and so I struggled even before the abuse, but the trauma did make it worse and is probably the biggest challenge I have had to face.
Moving into my own place will be the start of regaining my independence. I'm most looking forward to the fact that I won't have to struggle as much. It's extremely uplifting to know that people care enough to support me to move on and rebuild myself and my life. Over the next few years I hope I can transition into a more positive state of mind and, hopefully, it won't be long until I can start work again.
Emma's identity has been anonymised to protect her from previous abuse.