After fleeing domestic abuse, I was struggling to cope for so many reasons. My little boy was only a couple of months old when we had to leave home and we ended up living in a refuge centre for a while. Eventually we were able to move into a flat, it was lovely to have our own space. My confidence was really low and felt isolated away from the friends I had made at the refuge. My family live in Pakistan and so I didn’t have anyone I could turn to for support. I needed someone to talk to as I was feeling more and more emotional, and was worried about my son’s speech development. I love my son, but I was struggling to keep him busy during the days and was felt tired all the time.
I was referred through to Home-Start and I was so happy to have another adult to talk to! My Home-Start volunteer helped me to feel that I wasn’t alone, and that I could make things better for me and my son.
Our flat didn’t have any furniture and I was struggling for money. We managed to find lots of free items online which made our house feel more like a home. I was referred through to Rainbow Baby Bank and they gave us clothes and toys. It was lovely to see my son smiling and playing in our new home.
I wanted to give my son the chance to play with other children, but didn’t have the confidence to go to play groups on my own. Together we started to visit groups, and she even helped me to apply for a place at nursery which he absolutely loves. I felt so proud to see him laughing and smiling with other children.
I had a bit more spare time now my son was in nursery and I decided to get a job to earn some extra money. My Home-Start volunteer encouraged me to think about what I might like to do in the long term and helped to secure a place at the local college. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m loving the course and I’m hoping my new qualification will help me get my dream job.
Thanks to Home-Start I feel much more able to cope with the demands of being a single parent and I’ve made lots of new friends. My son is bright and bubbly and is talking in full sentences. He’s a very happy child.
I couldn’t thank my Home-Start volunteer enough. They were a bright light when I was in a very dark place. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.
