Turning Corners
Case Study: Turning Corners – Supporting Families, Changing Lives
A Personal Story That Sparked a Movement
Turning Corners was created in 2020 with a deeply personal story at its heart. In 2018, a young mother of 20 faced overwhelming challenges. Caring for her baby with special needs while her partner battled addiction and mental health issues, she found herself isolated and unsure where to turn. When she reached out for help, the responses from larger organisations often felt dismissive or unhelpful.
A local paramedic stepped in, connecting her with a voluntary therapist and other independent support workers in the community. This grassroots network provided practical, immediate help—without the long waits. This experience gave her the strength to rebuild her life and inspired her to make sure others in crisis could access the same support.
With encouragement from those who helped her, she established Turning Corners as a charity. Registered with the Charity Commission in 2020, Turning Corners aims to offer accessible, stigma-free support for families and individuals when they need it most.
How Support from the Delamere Dairy Foundation Helped
Turning Corners faces significant challenges in securing funding for addiction-related services. Sadly, stigma often creates a barrier to financial support. The £2,500 grant from the Delamere Dairy Foundation was more than just financial aid—it represented a vote of confidence in the charity’s mission.
This support helped Turning Corners attract additional funding from four other organisations, enabling the charity to achieve far more than they imagined.
What the Funding Achieved
The grant helped Turning Corners make a real difference by:
- Running 30 Family Therapy Sessions: These sessions offered families a safe space to share their stories, connect with others, and feel less alone.
- Providing 48 One-to-One Counselling Sessions: These private sessions gave individuals the chance to work through their challenges with trained professionals.
- Hosting Awareness Events and a Workshop for Teenagers: These events educated young people about the risks of substance use and gave them tools to build resilience.
- Purchasing Therapeutic Equipment: Items like a dollhouse and kinetic sand trays were used in play therapy, helping children express and process their emotions in a creative way.
Making a Difference for Families
The “Parental Power” project focused on helping families break harmful cycles, understand the impact of addiction, and build stronger relationships.
One parent shared their journey:
“Hearing my 9-year-old explain in therapy what my drinking did to her was devastating. But instead of buying her gifts to make up for it, I’ve realised the best thing I can give her is my time. Now we play chess together—I’m sober and present.”
By the Numbers:
- Over 50 people directly benefitted from the project.
- The wider impact extended to families and carers, helping them rebuild trust and create healthier relationships.
Looking Ahead
This initial grant has been a springboard for Turning Corners to secure further funding and develop more support programmes.
By focusing on compassion, community, and practical help, Turning Corners continues to change lives and offer hope to families in need.
