Cassie’s Story - From Fear to Freedom
Cassie
I learned more about myself and how to better myself from working with her.
When Cassie was referred to Safer London, she was 23 and living in fear. She had just completed a two-year suspended sentence and was terrified of being pulled back into crime.
Exploited by peers, coerced into carrying weapons and drugs, and a recent conviction for knife possession, her life felt out of control. She had also witnessed multiple violent attacks on an ex-partner, including a vicious attack near her home and a knife attack resulting in hospitalisation.
Cassie’s caseworker, Kamisha, quickly recognised her for who she was – someone vulnerable and terrified.
At first, Cassie often cried during sessions, overwhelmed by anxiety and convinced she couldn’t say “no” to the people controlling her life. Rather than rushing her, Kamisha built trust through consistent, non-judgemental support, starting with face-to-face sessions to establish rapport before moving online when Cassie found employment.
Together, they explored the law, violence, consent, boundaries, and exploitation, helping Cassie understand her rights and recognise unhealthy relationships. They mapped her social circle to identify risks and worked on peer pressure scenarios, which Cassie deeply related to. These sessions helped her see patterns of coercion and gave her tools to resist them.
Safety was a priority. Kamisha guided Cassie through detailed safety planning - identifying safe routes in her local area, changing travel habits and adjusting work shifts to avoid her exploiters. They also worked on self-care and self-compassion, reinforcing that Cassie deserved respect and could set boundaries.
Cassie
I learned how to deal with situations better. Before, I never used to think, but now I think before I react.
The work didn’t stop at emotional support. Kamisha advocated for Cassie when housing progress stalled, connecting her with a specialist housing caseworker who worked with a housing association to facilitate a move out of her unsafe area. Kamisha encouraged Cassie’s career ambitions, helping her set goals and celebrate milestones like securing three jobs interviews in one week and earning a Level 3 qualification in facilities management - something Kamisha supported Cassie with by connecting her with the King’s Trust.
When Cassie intervened in a violent incident to protect a younger boy, Kamisha used it as a learning moment - raising awareness of risks and discussing safer alternatives. Over time, Cassie shifted from feeling responsible for everyone, to understanding she could - and should - protect herself first.
By the end of the intervention, Cassie had transformed. She’d changed her phone number, cut ties with harmful contacts and learned to say no - something she once thought impossible. She secured employment and completed probation. Cassie’s confidence soared. She even participated in a Safer London research project, speaking openly about her experiences of the criminal justice system and offering feedback on resources. Cassie turned her challenges and experiences into insight, helping to inform recommendations on how to better support young women facing similar challenges.
Cassie described the support as life-changing: “I found working with Kamisha beneficial because I was in a low point in my life, especially being on probation. I learned how to deal with situations better. Before, I never used to think, but now I think before I react. I learned more about myself and how to better myself from working with her.” For Cassie, the biggest change was independence - making decisions for herself, prioritising her goals and believing in her future.
How Safer London helped Cassie
Trauma-informed Caseworker
Every young Londoner is allocated a single trauma-informed caseworker, who works alongside them from 6 to 12 months (with support extending up to two years if required). The support is built around the young Londoner and their needs.
Person Centred Support
The support is built around the young Londoner and their needs. The session plans, session content and overall outcomes are influenced by the young Londoner, with their voice being central to what the support looks like.
If you’re a young Londoner or parent whose worked with Safer London, and share us your story via email to inspire others. Make sure you let us know the name of your caseworker when you get in touch.