Emmy's story

When Emmy struggled with school and her mental health, her mum Lorraine felt isolated and unsure where to turn. At ELHAP (a project funded by Make Some Noise), Emmy has found a safe space to be herself, while Lorraine has found support for the whole family. This is Lorraine and Emmy’s story:

Lorraine, Emmy's mum:

"Emmy is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and dyspraxia. She's always struggled in the mainstream school setting - she's experienced bullying, exclusion and not many people really understanding her.

Her mental health took a huge dip, to the point where she didn't really feel that there was much joy in life anymore. She found it really hard to look in a mirror because she didn't like the person that she saw. That was really tough.

She would heavily mask and smile through the days, then get home and completely melt down. But people don't see behind closed doors.

Sometimes it does feel quite isolating and nobody really gets it, they don't understand the impact it has on us as a family.

The Emmy you see at ELHAP is bright, singing, getting involved, chatting and just carefree. You will see the second she walks in there, her shoulders drop and the mask just comes off. The activities have been vital for her well-being and mental health, it's such a huge difference. I'm not feeling so alone and Emmy's flourishing because of it.

It's a lifeline, it has definitely saved us."

Emmy adds:

"I like it so much because any child is welcome and everybody belongs. It’s very accepting, there’s so many different people to make friends with. Every time I go there, it always brings joy to me.

Whenever I’m having a hard time, I think of it and it makes everything alright."

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