Finding my voice: "How Bairns Hoose helped me heal."

Evangeline aged 17 shares her story.

"About a year ago, my life changed in a way I never expected. I had been abused by my boyfriend and made the brave decision to report it to the police. I went through the justice process for months, but my case was eventually closed due to lack of evidence. My mental health was badly affected by it all.  

"My school was trying to help but my mental health was getting worse, and I knew I needed more support- especially since I was planning to leave soon. 

"That’s when the school told me about Bairns Hoose. After a few meetings, I was introduced to a lovely support worker there, and that’s when things started to change. 

"The Children First Bairns Hoose team didn’t just give me support - they gave me a safe space to be myself. They listened to me, helped me find my voice, and encouraged me to express my feelings. I even wrote a song and started a book about my story and my experience with the justice system. They made me feel like I was talking to a friend, not just a professional. I’ve been through a lot of mental health services, but none have helped me like Bairns Hoose has. 

"A year ago, I had no confidence and no hope. Now, I feel proud of myself. I’ve found purpose, and I’m doing amazing things with Bairns Hoose by my side. 

"If I could speak to the people in charge of the justice system, I’d ask them to really think about the victims. The system can be scary and damaging, especially for young people. We need to be heard, supported, and treated with care. We’re not adults yet, and the process needs to reflect that. Please listen to our voices - we matter. 

"Bairns Hoose is so important because it gives young people a voice and a safe space. It’s more than just support- it’s someone walking beside you through the hardest times. It’s a second home, a safety blanket, and a reminder that you’re never alone."

If you are worried about a child or young person, please call Children First’s support line on 08000 28 22 33 for expert advice. 

Find out more about how Children First Bairns Hoose teams are supporting children and young people in Scotland to recover and heal.

The Aberdeenshire Bairns Hoose has been developed in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council Children’s Services,  Children First, Police Scotland, NHS Grampian, The Scottish Children’s Reporter’s Administration, The Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and Edinburgh University and funded by the Scottish Government through the Pathfinders programme.