I was referred to Home-Start by my Health Visitor. I felt socially isolated, and was struggling with anxiety and depression. I didn’t feel I had time to attend health appointments for myself and my physical health was deteriorating. My partner worked full time and gave me little support. We didn’t have a great relationship and had separated several times previously.
I was also dealing with the recent death of my own mother on top of still grieving the loss of my first baby who had died at 14 days old. The Home-Start Co-ordinator signposted me to Cruise for bereavement support.
I was also worried about my eldest child’s challenging behaviour and emotional outbursts and thought this was caused by her not getting the time and attention she needed. This made me feel guilty and impacted my mental health even more.
In December 2021 we were allocated a volunteer; she came weekly and did lots of activities with my children, giving them the time, attention and stimulation they needed. This gave me time to get jobs done in the home and improve our home conditions. As well as practical help, she also gave me lots of emotional support. My volunteer supported me and my children to get out of the house, attend local groups, visit the park and socialise in the community.
Unfortunately my relationship with my partner deteriorated, and there was a domestic violence incident. When I disclosed this, my Home-Start Co-ordinator helped me to deal with social care and to access Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP). They helped me to get some safety equipment fitted to the house, which made me feel safer and ensured we could stay in our own home. My volunteer really helped me out with lots of telephone support whilst this investigation was all ongoing. Once my ex-partner was completely off the scene, my volunteer could re-start her weekly visits.
Because of the split, I experienced financial hardship and got into some debt. Home-Start helped me massively with various referrals to ensure our financial needs were met and I was able to provide basic food and equipment for the children. They also helped me attend the JobCentre to apply for benefits and then later applying for jobs.
My eldest child is now in full time education and the two younger children are in full time nursery. All three children are doing really well and their behaviour has improved loads. I also successfully got myself a full-time job, and am financially independent.
I got the help I need for my mental health and this is now so much better.
My children love our volunteer, they light up every time she walks in and that has been a massive support since their dad hasn’t been around.
If it wasn’t for Home-Start Kirklees, I know me and my children would have struggled to get through the last two years. Home-Start took the time to get to know me and my children and understood the support I needed through such a difficult stage.
Home-Start stepped into my life and changed the course of it with their help and support.
They restored my confidence. I am now working in my dream job and moving forward in life. Home-Start saved my life – thank you.
