My name is Olivia. Writing this is extremely hard for me, as I’ve always been independent and never imagined I would be in this position. But this is my reality, and I have no one else to turn to.

On the 8th of June 2025, my life changed forever. I came downstairs and found my partner, Joe, had passed away from suicide. Joe was the love of my life — we first met in 2014, reunited in 2024, and had the most beautiful year together. He legally adopted my youngest daughter, Bleu. We were engaged, had a wedding booked for May 2026, and had just purchased our home. We were truly happy. I never saw any signs of the pain he was carrying. I would have done anything to help him.

After finding him, I suffered a complete breakdown and was sectioned for four weeks. When I was discharged from hospital on the 4th of August, the very next day — on the 5th of August — my grandma passed away. She raised me, loved me deeply, and losing her so soon after Joe shattered what strength I had left.

When Joe passed, I made the hardest decision of my life: I placed my daughter in the care of my mother, knowing my mental health was going to decline and wanting to protect her. This decision has backfired and I am now fighting through the courts for reunification. My daughter has lost her dad, and she desperately needs her mum back.

Due to my situation, I had no option but to move back into the property where Joe passed away. The council couldn’t house me elsewhere because my daughter isn’t currently living with me. I’m trying to rebuild a home that is full of trauma, and I am starting completely from scratch. I have little furniture, no carpet for my daughter’s room, and very limited finances to make the house suitable for her return.

I am embarrassed to ask for help, especially at Christmas when so many people are struggling. But I am doing everything I can. I have no support network left, and I am just trying to rebuild my life for my daughter and give her a safe, stable home again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Olivia