When the family first reached out to Home-Start, they were preparing for the arrival of twins. Mum was experiencing anxiety after previously suffering from postnatal depression with her first child and with no local family support and Dad working long hours, the thought of welcoming two babies into the world felt overwhelming.
After hearing about our Mellow Bumps course, Mum joined the group and soon formed friendships with other parents-to-be. During the programme, she was matched with a Home-Start Volunteer, who is also a midwife, offering reassurance, familiarity and continuity right from the start.
Following the twins’ birth, the volunteer visited the family home regularly, providing emotional support, guidance with routines, and practical help. She encouraged Mum to get out into the community, join groups, and attend medical appointments with confidence.
As Mum began to settle into life with newborn twins, she embraced everything Home-Start had to offer. She took part in our Blank Canvas course, boosting her confidence through creativity, and later completed our Equip for Life programme, building her self-esteem as a parent. She proudly shared her artwork with the group, small but meaningful milestones that reminded her of her own strength.
Weekly visits to the Bumps and Babies peer support group helped reduce isolation and gave Mum a safe, nurturing space to connect with others. The twins benefited too, enjoying early developmental activities and opportunities to socialise. Mum also completed our Baby Massage course, discovering how much it helped with bonding, digestion and sleep—and how much calmer she felt being surrounded by supportive, understanding staff.
The trusting relationship Mum built with Home-Start meant she felt confident enough to use the crèche during our courses, giving the boys valuable time to play and develop while offering her precious moments to focus on herself.
Throughout their journey, the Perinatal Family Support Coordinator, volunteer, and Health Visitor worked together to provide consistent, joined-up support. The family felt understood, cared for and never alone.
Mum shared:
“I don’t know where I would be without A. Some mornings when she comes to visit, I’ve had no sleep as the boys have been up most of the night feeding. I’ve felt teary and she has listened to me and reassured me. I can go for a shower or a lie down and I know my boys are safe. To know I am not alone helps me and gives me hope that things will get easier.”
Today, the family is thriving. Their five-year-old enjoys being a big sibling, the twins are growing and developing confidently, and Mum feels supported, empowered and optimistic. She recently told us that this year’s Eid felt like a true family celebration, full of joy, connection and gratitude describing the volunteer support as “all of her prayers answered.”