Simon's story

Simon came to The Place2Be because his Dad was sent to prison for killing a close family friend in a fight outside a pub. Simon was devastated by his Dad's actions and sudden disappearance from the family home. He missed him so much and felt very sad.   He was also angry that his Dad has done something "stupid" that put him out of reach, something "wrong" that shamed Simon and his mum.

Simon's Mum was equally distressed, so The Place2Be supported her too as she tried to come to terms with the man she loved having become a murderer and the implications of that for her and her two sons. Mum had regular meetings with the School Project Manager throughout the two-year trial and appeal process.

Simon had one-to-one counselling for over a year and during that time he gradually thought about the meaning of death and what it had meant to his family. He mourned the loss of his Dad and also the death of the man he had called ‘Uncle'. Simon would often play with figures of adult men, telling stories with them that included themes of wrongdoing; extreme punishment, redemption, and reintegration into everyday life.

The Place2Be supported Simon by providing a safe space where he could explore and express his feelings. Wherever possible The Place2Be provides a male counsellor to work with boys in situations like this. In Simon's case this helped him work through more difficult emotions he felt towards his Dad and provided an opportunity for him to enjoy the positive aspects of a supportive male relationship.