Carol, a lone parent, was referred to us by her Health Visitor. She was suffering from post- natal depression and severe anxiety, exacerbated by Covid lockdowns, and was extremely isolated with very little family support. After several visits from our Family Support Coordinator, a level of trust was established, and Carol was persuaded to attend Parents Group with her son.
On the morning of Group, Carol pressed the door entry bell and was buzzed in but she didn’t appear through the door, having been overcome with anxiety and she had turned to walk away. Our Coordinator acted on instinct, running out the door and chasing Carol up the street. Carol was shaking with anxiety but was successfully talked back in to just to have a coffee and to let her son play with toys.
The safe, supportive environment of Home-Start Groups was the turning point for Carol.
Through the encouragement of others, she gradually became an active participant in the group, offering assistance to fellow parents and volunteering to meet other Mums in town before Group.
“Home-Start saved me from my isolation and depression, if Kath hadn’t run after me that day I would still be in an anxiety cycle on my own. Having the routine of Parents Group helped me break the negative spiral and find my sparkle again.”
Carol soon assumed a Parent Helper role which serves as a valuable transition for those who no longer require our service but still wish to remain involved and build their confidence.
When Carol’s son started school, she took the next step, attending our Volunteer Preparatory Course and is now a much-valued Volunteer Group Worker twice a week at our Parent and Family Groups.
“I love the fact that I can take a negative in my life and turn it into a positive by helping other parents. I know exactly what some of the Mums are going through and can really help build their confidence. I get so much from just being around the parents, kids and staff, they are such an important part of my week.”
This case study demonstrates the transformative power of simple connections and the importance of support networks, showing the potential to grow from being in need of help to becoming a valuable contributor within the community.