A second chance

Dandelion Time has given her a second chance when no-one would

Lilah’s Mum

Imagine being a child whose pain feels invisible and whose emotions are constantly misunderstood. This was Lilah’s reality when her school referred her to Dandelion Time. Domestic abuse had been a constant presence in Lilah’s life and as a result, she was fearful, anxious, and unsure of how to express herself.

The trauma Lilah carried was affecting her behaviour both at home and in the classroom. Socially, she was unable to form friendships and would often run off and hide when she couldn’t express her feelings. Her school life had all but disappeared, she was frequently excluded from school, and despite her talent for gymnastics, wasn’t allowed to join the school team because of her behaviour. 

At home, Lilah was irritable and disruptive, family days out would often come to a premature end, and she struggled to bond with her siblings making homelife difficult for all the family.

Trauma had taught Lilah to wear a mask, shielding her from further hurt—but beneath it, a tender, compassionate heart longed to reach out.  

Something remarkable happened on Lilah’s very first session at Dandelion Time.

Although initially withdrawn, she immediately approached another child, perhaps sensing their hurt too, gently holding out her hand. The group watched in silent wonder, the little boy was known to be uncomfortable with physical touch.  He studied Lilah with curiosity. She waited, patiently, hand outstretched. Eventually the boy held his own hand out, lightly touching Lilah’s finger. The first silent bonds of friendship formed.  

Slowly Lilah began to open up and begin to trust again.  With the gentle guidance of her caseworker, Sabrina, she began to rediscover her strengths and rebuild her self-esteem.  

One of Lilah’s struggles was when those around her were upset – she often felt overwhelmed and would try to block out the noise, sometimes raising her own voice in response.  With Sabrina’s patient guidance and kindness, Lilah gradually found a safe space to experience and explore her feelings. Over time, she began to recognise her emotions and discover ways to cope with them, learning that it was okay to feel, and to express, what she was going through. 

Lilah’s caring nature began to shine. Through her sessions, the girl who struggled to form friendships was often found comforting other children when they were anxious.  Quietly sitting alongside them, offering a peaceful presence that helped them feel safe, enabling them to regulate their emotions. Just as Sabrina had for her. 

It was often her younger brother’s emotions that Lilah struggled with the most. One day, on the way home from Dandelion Time, he became upset in the car. Her mum, anticipating Lilah’s reaction, braced herself. Instead, Lilah leaned over and gently hugged her brother, offering comfort rather than chaos. It was a quiet, powerful moment of her growth.  

On leaving Dandelion Time, the difference in Lilah’s behaviour is clear, she attends school four days a week and is now able to articulate her feelings without wanting to run away and hide.  Both Mum and Lilah have coping mechanisms for when emotions feel too big, and now as a family, they enjoy days out and will often put their new skills learnt at Dandelion Time to the test, pressing apples to make fresh juice and baking cakes.   

Domestic abuse turns your world upside down but being within nature at Dandelion Time you learn what’s important and what’s not. I can’t explain the difference it has made on my family, it felt like Lilah found her place and it’s given her a second chance when no-one would

Lilah’s Mum

Sadly, Lilah’s story is not uncommon. In 2024/2025 63% of children referred to Dandelion Time had experienced abuse or domestic violence. Please help us transform the lives of more children like Lilah and donate via the Big Give Christmas Challenge and double your donation.  

This is a composite case study that is indicative of our work, names and images have been changed.