Construction a life changer for domestic abuse survivor Sophia

Sophia Barnes, of Sleaford, during the project to create a garden for a women's refuge.

A woman who survived domestic abuse has credited going into the construction industry with changing her life, going onto work on a community project for a women’s refuge.

Mum-of-two, Sophia Barnes, 35, lives near Sleaford and has opened up to her colleagues at Willmott Dixon about her experience, explaining why she wanted to put herself forward for the annual Willmott Dixon Foundation Trainee Challenge to plan and deliver a garden transformation at a women’s refuge in Lincolnshire.

Despite not using a refuge herself, Sophia was inspired by her own experience as she left an abusive relationship in 2007 to start a new life. Feeling the need to be able to look after herself, she recalls buying her first toolkit and carrying out DIY jobs in her home, before enrolling in a course to improve her skills.

It was a decision that would lead to meeting her new partner, starting a degree, and joining Willmott Dixon's four-year trainee programme for build management in 2018.

Sophia said: “Being in this job and going into the construction industry has changed my life. I am a different person now. It’s made me stronger and given me immense confidence. Having been at such a low point where I felt vulnerable, I have entirely changed my life for the better.”

The five day project was supported by Willmott Dixon volunteers, along with supply chain partners. They installed 26 metres of raised planters including two vegetable beds, two flower beds and a large sandpit for children at the service.

Sophia has also organised DIY courses, combining maths and English for the women at the refuge, with help from a local college – similar to the educational support that helped her get started.