23rd November 2010

Sandra, Aoife and Niamh
Amen

Dear Friends,

Just dropping you a note to say thank you for all your help to me. In the past year I've had problems and I called you a good few times. My wife was bullying me, and there was some emotional and physical violence. In the last few months it has very much stopped. The reason mostly is because of the action I took probably. I contacted the Garda, her GP and a Social Worker. The Social Worker came to our house and had a chat with her and the two of us together. I think I changed a good bit too during it all and am better able to deal with life as a result.

But the point is, it was fantastic to have your support. I don't think I could have taken the constructive action I did without your support. On a lot of occasions I nearly left her and my son. Bit I think your support gave me the courage to take another path. Initially it was not too easy to life the phone but once I did call you it always made a big difference to my day and I did not feel ashamed for calling you. The call usually only lasted 10 minutes, which was good and all that, was necessary. In those 10 minutes you were able to listen very well and be supportive and helpful. I always felt that you were on my side. It always felt that you had some training for this job because I don't know how anyone could be so helpful and yet only on a phone and not physically present. At the end of the call you always told me to keep in touch and let you know how i was getting on and that was great. Its fantastic service and I hope other men in the same situation as me will have the courage and luck to ring you. Thanks a million.

Gratefully yours,
Jim