Hi Rebekah
Thank you for your letter. It seems like it might have taken lots of courage for you to write, and I’m glad you got in touch. It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time and I can hear how lonely you sound. You’ve said lots of things in your letter and I’m going to go through them one by one if that’s ok, as everything you have said is important and I don’t want to miss anything out.
You said that you’re being bullied because of your sexuality. Bullying is wrong and it’s not ok for people to be unkind to you. You haven’t said what’s been happening or how you have been coping with this, but it seems like it is really affecting you. There is lots of information about bullying on the ChildLine website - you might be able to find some useful information on there about how to get support. You could also have a look at the ChildLine message boards, to see what other young people are saying about bullying. Also, Bullying UK have a useful website that has lots of information and support on it too.
It sounds like home is a difficult place for you to be right now too. You’ve said a bit about what things are like with mum and dad. Mum hurts your feelings and beats you and your little sister. You sound scared of her and it seems like you feel that the way that dad behaves makes things worse. What your mum and dad are doing is wrong. You have the right to be safe at home and what’s happening is not your fault. I’m wondering who knows about what home is like for you.
You sound really low when you describe how you feel. You said you have attempted suicide a few times and you feel unwanted. I am concerned about how you are and about what is happening for you. You said that you don’t feel confident enough to call ChildLine. What would it be like to maybe have a 1-2-1 online chat with them? Or you could email ChildLine, which is just like writing me a letter, except you get a personal reply from a counsellor. The counsellors are really warm and kind and they are there to support young people who need someone to talk to. They would listen to you and help you to think about how you’re feeling and how you could improve things. How does that sound? ChildLine are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. So you can contact them at any time.
Take care,
Sam