the reasons that our young women need support

The majority of young women who come into Cara’s care have suffered stress and trauma from a very early age, had poor parenting role models and have not experienced the emotional, social and physical care necessary for their wellbeing and development.

As a consequence, they have had limited opportunities to experience secure, healthy attachments with family and significant adults in their lives.

Compounding their distress, many of the young women have experienced multiple changes in their living arrangements which has impacted negatively on their educational and life opportunities.

This means they carry the burden of complex issues such as disengagement with school, feeling inadequate, socially isolated and different from their peers.

Many of our young women have developed insecure attachments and have lost confidence that significant adults will care for them, resulting in trauma related low self worth and an inability to express how they are feeling or to trust and accept the love and care that is offered.