In light of International Women’s Day on 8th March, Carly Jones, Recruitment Administrator for our Construction division, has bravely chosen to share her story. She opens up about the challenges she has faced and how, with the support of Acorn and her colleagues, she is now using her experiences to help others.

Here, she tells her story.

A Mother’s Worst Fear

In February 2023, after enduring several incidents of bullying, I faced my greatest fear when my 14-year-old daughter attempted to take her own life. Thankfully, following a visit to the hospital and overnight evaluations, her physical health was deemed stable. However, this marked the beginning of an arduous journey to support her through mental health challenges, including eating disorders, self-harm, and depression.

A Career in Transition

At that time, I was employed as an administrator on a construction site. After a year in this position, the role was deemed redundant, prompting me to seek new employment. It was during this transitional period that I reached out to Osian from Acorn, who had just lost his administrator to resignation. I was invited for an interview and was fortunate to secure the role, launching my association with Acorn.

Recognising Emotional Abuse

Just when I thought I had weathered the toughest year of my life, my 12-year relationship ended. While attending a Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) meeting with my daughter, I began to share my personal struggles, including the events leading up to the breakup. During this discussion, it was suggested that I reach out to a domestic abuse service. Until that moment, I had not recognised the emotional abuse present in my relationship, having spent considerable time normalising and dismissing the troubling behaviours.

Finding Strength and Seeking Help

Recognising the need for help became imperative, as I wanted to be the mother my children needed to safeguard their mental health and create a happier, more peaceful home. This journey has been fraught with challenges, and my physical health has also declined, often leaving me in pain and unable to eat. There were moments when I felt utterly lost, and the guilt of not being strong enough for my children was overwhelming.

Transforming Adversity into Action

Fortunately, my job and the unwavering support from my manager have empowered me to channel my experiences into a project aimed at enhancing my emotional well-being. I'm empowered by my experiences to speak with my employer, Acorn, about launching an initiative to support women who have faced domestic abuse or other personal challenges and are seeking assistance in regaining financial independence. Collaborating with Emily, our Head of HR, and Adele, our Senior Support Administrator, we are working to bring these sessions to life. This initiative will also become part of Acorn Impact, through which Acorn has committed 10,000 hours over the next three years to improving social mobility.

A New Beginning for Women in Need

This initiative not only serves as a source of healing for me but also raises awareness for other women who may be facing even greater adversities. It is vital to convey that it is never too late to reset one’s life, whether that means exploring new career paths, reorganising finances, or fundamentally transforming parenting or co-parenting approaches.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

In honour of International Women’s Day, I feel compelled to share a glimpse into my journey over the past two years. Both my daughter and I have faced significant challenges, and through our experiences, we aim to raise awareness about the struggles life can present.

My daughter has shown remarkable strength and resilience as she navigates her education while grappling with her mental health. I am incredibly proud to announce that her hard work and determination have paid off—she will be starting college this September, where she plans to study Law, Criminology, and Psychology.

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

By sharing our stories, I hope to inspire others to seek additional support when feeling overwhelmed and to transform difficult experiences into positive outcomes—not just for themselves, but for others in need as well.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Acorn, especially my wonderful team. Your unwavering support has kept me smiling and laughing every day. To those with whom I have shared my struggles, your encouragement has been invaluable. Thank you all for being a source of strength in my journey!

If you would like to find out more about our Female Support Sessions or if you’ve experienced similar challenges and would just like to chat, please feel free to reach out to Carly Jones.