A Christmas for Carole: From Darkness to Light

Inspired by Dickens. Made possible by compassion.

At Field Lane, we believe everyone deserves a safe Christmas filled with dignity and light. This year, we’re sharing A Christmas for Carole — a story inspired by one of the women we’ve supported at Andrew Provan House. Her name has been changed to protect her identity, but her story represents the strength and courage of many people in our care.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

There was a time when Carole’s Christmases were silent and cold. Fear overshadowed the festive lights. At just 21, she was trapped in an abusive marriage with a young child. She was living in an unsafe home, depressed and isolated. While others gathered around tables filled with laughter, Carole’s days were marked by anxiety and uncertainty.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

Today Carole is safe. Thanks to the team at Andrew Provan House, she has left her abusive relationship and lives in a secure space where she is regaining her confidence. By taking part in therapy sessions to rebuild her self-esteem, and workshops to understand her rights, Carole is taking back control of her life. Her child is also being supported to process the trauma they have suffered, and to live a normal, healthy childhood. Carole is learning new skills, training to become a beautician. This Christmas her world is warm once more — filled with kindness, care, and the first glimmers of hope for a better future for her and her child.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

Carole’s future Christmases shine brightly. With continued support, she has embraced her new community and is working towards independence and stability. As a result of the beautician training she has felt confident enough to set up her own online make-up business. More resilient and feeling stronger, Carole and her child will soon move into their own two-bed flat, they will have a safe home of their own. Her child is thriving and doing well at school. They are both ready to take the next step and to embrace the joy and freedom from fear that they deserve.

“At Field Lane, we believe that everyone should have the chance to turn their story around — from fear to freedom, from darkness to light.”

Our Dickensian Connection

Our heritage is intertwined with Charles Dickens. The Ragged School, where Field Lane began its own story, inspired aspects of his classic novel Oliver Twist — a story of hardship, compassion, and second chances. Nearly two centuries later, we continue that legacy by helping vulnerable families. Our Christmas story is inspired by another of Charles Dickens’s classics, A Christmas Carol.

Help Us Create More Stories Like Carole’s

Your support changes lives. By donating to Field Lane this Christmas, you can help ensure that vulnerable women and families, often escaping abuse and homelessness, find safety, comfort, and hope for the future.

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