*Trigger Warning* In this episode we discuss sexual abuse/assault, neglect, substance abuse, self harm & suicide. Please see resources linked below if you are struggling.

From the age of 4 years old Hannah was placed in Foster Care with her younger brother, in and out of this system for the next few years it was anything but loving and caring. Hannah and her brother experienced Abuse & Neglect - Hannah also was sexually abused multiple times in this time. 

In this heartbreaking recount of her formative younger years, Hannah describes the pain and confusion she felt & the longterm effects this has had on her throughout her entire life and now into her adulthood as a Mother now herself.  Hannah describes the mental and psychical toll this kind of abuse takes on a person and navigating life as an adult.

A few years ago Hannah was invited to speak at the Royal Commission enquiry into sexual abuse, not only this was the first time telling her story, but also the first time most of her loved ones were made aware of the abuse she suffered as as child.

Hannah is passionate about spreading awareness and advocating for children who are placed in the foster care system, She now works for a Charity called "Hope In A Suitcase"
Hope in a Suitcase Australia is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers who are incredibly passionate about showing every child in the foster care system that they are loved and valued by their community. They aim to do this by giving them a suitcase of their very own to ensure they have a safe and secure place in which to pack their belongings and take with them wherever their journey may lead.

Finally we chat about Hannah's life now as a Mother & Partner and what her hopes and dreams are for the future.

FOLLOW HANNAH HERE:
INTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbbear.x/
FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/hannah.watkins.737

HOPE IN A SUITCASE: https://hopeinasuitcase.com.au/#about-us

HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES:
BEYOND BLUE: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/types-of-depression?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5-WRBhCKARIsAAId9Fkz8qxEbiTKjQTHUenPlkQ4svmxmNHSmEeyULuBgG0zO29VJltL2VsaAgH0EALw_wcB
SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS LINE: https://www.sacl.com.au/
BLUEKNOT:  https://blueknot.org.au/

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Thank you for listening if you enjoyed the episode i would love it if you could leave a rating and review! X