Kerry's story

I’m Kerry*, and I have twin girls who are now 14. They’re my world, and all I ever wanted for them was to feel safe, happy, and secure. Watching them go off to school each day should have been a time of joy, a chance for them to grow and learn. 

But for one of my daughters, school became a place of fear. She was bullied relentlessly. 

It started with words and small actions that made her feel different, but it escalated in ways I couldn’t have imagined. By her final year of primary school, things had reached a breaking point. One day, she found a note in her bag, telling her to use a knife to kill herself.

I felt utterly devastated and helpless. 

We tried to find help. I went to the school, spoke to the local council, even reached out to the police. But no one seemed to know how to help us. No one had answers. It was like we were on our own, fighting a battle we didn’t know how to win. The feeling of loneliness, of not knowing what to do, was unbearable.

At that time, I had never heard of Dolly’s Dream. But if I had, everything might have been different.

The services they offer – the Dolly’s Dream Bullying Support Line, Beacon App and Support Hub - they could have been a lifeline for our family. I wouldn’t have felt so alone, and I might have known what steps to take to protect my daughter and give her the support she needed.

I’m so grateful Dolly’s Dream exists, I just wish we’d known about them back then. 

No parent should have to go through what we did, searching for help and finding nothing. Dolly’s Dream makes sure families don’t have to face this on their own. They give families hope and the tools they need.

I want every parent to know that this help is available. You don’t have to feel isolated, afraid and alone like I did. There is support, and there is a way through this, thanks to Dolly’s Dream.

*This is a true account, but images and names have been changed to protect safety and privacy.