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What Our Families Say

A Family's Story

I am a Mum of two and as most Mums do, I had the baby blues after Emma was born and I had the overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope; the responsibility of looking after a new baby and all the other feelings that go with being a first time mum.

12 months later we were expecting another baby. After Katie was born I thought things might be easier second time around. As the weeks went by things weren’t quite right with how I was feeling, the extreme tiredness, the constant crying, no energy, the not wanting to go out. I gradually lost interest in doing anything and didn’t want to see anyone; I couldn’t even bring myself to talk to my friends on the phone.

I felt I couldn’t cope with anything anymore.

When we found out we were expecting Katie we also had to deal with the news that my Dad only had a few months to live, he had cancer. Looking back I think I had two extremes of emotions to deal with, the excitement of another baby which we shared with Dad, but also the fear of Dad’s illness. Dad passed away 6 months before Katie was born. The day she was born I was so happy to meet her and also so sad that Dad couldn’t. Day by day I began to feel worse, crying for no reason, the fear of going out, the fear of facing people I knew well. I didn’t feel like a normal Mum. I had no patience at all and would snap at people then regret it and feel bad, thus making me feel worse again. Everything seemed a vicious circle, a downward spiral. I felt out of control of how I was feeling.

One day I burst into tears when the Health Visitor called and it all came pouring out. She told me it was probably post natal depression. She said she would put me in touch with a group called Home-Start. Someone from Home-Start visited me soon after and I remember crying the whole time while I told her how I’d been feeling over the last few months. She explained that there was a family group held every week where Mums meet for a coffee and a chat while the children play. She also said there was a volunteer who would come to see me once a week for support and to help with the girls.

I felt very nervous about my first visit to the group and the Home-Start lady accompanied me, which helped. I was extremely nervous, had no self esteem or confidence and was at the lowest I’d ever been, but I was made to feel very welcome by everyone. I came away with the greatest sense of achievement you could imagine. I’d been out! Nothing more just that I’d made the effort to go. It gave me a real boost.

My volunteer visited me for a couple of hours every week. At first we stayed in, she helped with the girls and chatted to me about how I was feeling. The she would come out with me for a walk or to the swings. She was a tremendous help and “I will always be thankful for all the help she gave me when I needed it most”.

The Home-Start team, together with antidepressant medicines, taking regular exercise and the support of my family and friends has helped me beyond words.. I am very grateful to them all.

Another Family's Story

I was told about Home-Start by my sister-in-law, who is a Social Worker. At first, I was nervous and fought against the fact that I needed help with my two children, both under the age of two.

The initial interview and meeting with “my lady” was both painless and enjoyable, (once I got who wanted tea/coffee, with/without sugar right!) I have never looked back, and in fact am dreading the time when I have to give “my lady” back! Both of my kids adore her and get so excited when I say it’s Thursday! My daughter tells me that our volunteer comes on a Thursday!

I for one am extremely grateful to ALL of the lovely people involved with Home-Start and have made lots of new friends. Phoning Home-Start was the best thing I ever did.

You’ll NEVER Regret Making That Call