When Sarah (name changed) was referred to Home-Start, she had two children under five and no family nearby. Days felt long, and the silence at home often felt overwhelming. Without anyone to talk to, her confidence began to fade and her mental health suffered.
A Home-Start coordinator matched Sarah with a trained volunteer who visited every Thursday. At first, it was simply about having someone to listen, to share a cup of tea with, and to talk through the week. Over time, the visits became a steady anchor in her routine.
Sometimes the volunteer would accompany Sarah and the children to the park, giving her the chance to enjoy the moment without feeling anxious. Other times, they would plan out small, manageable goals for the week ahead.
“The visits from my volunteer have been a lifeline. I felt so lonely after moving away from family and friends with two young children. She helped me enjoy time with my children and encouraged me to join a local group.”
Gradually Sarah’s world widened. Encouraged by her volunteer, she joined a local playgroup where she began to meet other parents. For the first time since her move, she started to feel part of a community.
Today Sarah says she feels more confident as a parent and more able to manage day-to-day life with her children. What began with one volunteer giving a few hours a week has turned into a lasting change for her whole family