Case studies

At Sova we're here for people who are facing a difficult time in their lives. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all walks of life, of different ages and from diverse backgrounds. What they all have in common is a need for support, advice and understanding to help them get their lives back on track. Here are some of their stories.

+ Craig’s story

36 year old Craig Rutherford is a volunteer with Sova Rotherham; a project which helps offenders back into work, education and training, giving them a better chance of steering clear of crime.  He explains: “I was in my final year of a social sciences degree and wanted to get some relevant work experience.  In the past I’d worked in construction and catering and I didn’t get any qualifications at school, so doing my degree was a new start for me.  ...

+ Karen’s story

Sova Sheffield Youth Justice Project provides trained volunteers to support children and young people, aged 10 to 16, and vulnerable adults detained in police custody.  One of those volunteers is 48 year old Karen Walke from Sheffield. She explains how she got involved: “I did a stint on jury service which really sparked my interest in being an Appropriate Adult.I found the lack of support and information available to me as a juror shocking. I imagined what it would be like...

+ Cat's story

Cat Robinson is an Independent Visitor (IV) for Sova.  She says:  “As an IV it’s my role to be an independent person for my young person to talk to, I take him out and about and offer a listening ear.  "I’ve been matched with Jamie for about eight months now.  He’s 12 and has been in long term foster care with his siblings since he was five years old.  His early years were pretty difficult and the abuse he experienced has left him...