After living in a residential care home, she moved to Swansea to live with her dad, but the relationship broke down. Staying with a family friend offered no safety or structure, she found herself in unsafe environments and with people who didn’t care about her wellbeing. Ocean was on the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) protocol following an incident of grooming and had experienced domestic violence from her partner. She was pregnant at this time, and her unborn baby was placed on the child protection register. Facing multiple challenges at once would be difficult for anyone, and Ocean was understandably struggling. Even so, she was determined to build a better future for herself.
When Ocean moved into Llamau’s supported accommodation in Wales, everything began to change. For the first time in years, she felt safe and cared for. She had her own space, access to staff support 24 hours a day, and a sense of belonging through group activities like cooking, arts and crafts, and fishing. Her support workers helped her build life skills like budgeting, shopping, and cooking, while offering emotional support and encouragement. With their help, Ocean created her first CV, secured part-time hospitality work, and began college, slowly rebuilding her confidence and self-belief.
Working closely with Llamau and statutory services, Ocean abstained from drugs and alcohol and engaged fully with all professionals involved in her care. Her dedication and courage were recognised by everyone supporting her.
Now, Ocean is thriving as a confident, independent young woman and devoted mother to her five-month-old daughter. She lives in independent housing, has rebuilt her relationship with her dad, and is learning to drive. Ocean’s story shows what’s possible when people are given safety, belief, and the opportunity to rebuild.
