Mary’s Story
Mary is a young mum with a 2 year old child and a baby.
Mary found the progression from one child of her own to two very difficult and has been struggling to juggle the two children and their individual needs. Mary became very withdrawn and isolated and developed a fear of leaving the house with her two children. Due to health issues Mary struggles with her breathing when getting to and from her house with the pram and a toddler.
A volunteer was put in place to assist Mary with getting out and about and to help her to cope better with two children.
Mary has attended several of our Support Groups and has made friends who she sees out-with the group. She has informed us of the difference it has made to her confidence and she recently stated that she would not be where she was today without that support.
Maria’s Story
Maria was referred to Home-Start due to social isolation and relationship problems.
She has a 2 year old who she spends all her time with (usually on their own). Shortly after being matched with a volunteer, Maria disclosed that her partner was very controlling and withheld money from her resulting in her being unable to leave the house with her child as she had no money and no access to funds.
Through the support of her volunteer Maria has gained the courage to leave her volatile partner. Although she knows she has done the right thing and she and her child are safe, this has left her and feeling even more isolated. However she has started attending a HS Group that is local to her now which is a new group to Maria and she has made a few friends through this who are providing her with a great deal of support.
It has been an invaluable support to both Maria and her child – Maria has made friends, learned skills and continues to grow in confidence and is now looking forward to moving into her own tenancy.
Lyndsay’s Story
Lyndsay works with children every day but having her own was a completely different experience. She struggled at first but with the help of a Home-Start West Lothian volunteer she has grown in confidence as a parent – and is even volunteering to help other families!
