I self-referred last year. I think it was after being told about Home Start from my health visitor. I did it for many reasons but my mental health and being lonely were the main ones.
At first I met Evelyn and she was so lovely warm and welcoming and we had the nicest of chats and since having my little girl (possibly even before) it was the first time I had felt I had felt heard and comfortable talking with someone I had never met before, initially she was talking about 1:1 support then a week or so later suggested Kirsty’s group.
I was so hesitant because the group setting put me out of my comfort zone massively! She reassured me, and even for a couple weeks came with me till I settled in. In the short time I spent with her she made me feel so comfortable when I was at my most fragile.
Kirsty made this process so much easier as well! Kirsty has been absolutely amazing. She has gone above and beyond, she has shown that people do care, she has made me believe in myself and opened my eyes that I am not alone. She is honestly a gem! We need more people like her in the world honestly!
One of the things I said when I first started the group was that no matter what I couldn’t talk about my birth story, and thanks to Kirsty she made me feel comfortable enough to do this! I still suffer from PTSD and other issues and nothing has magically went away but honestly the group has made things way more bearable!
The beginning of this year I would never have left Lexi, even now no one ever has Lexi because it takes a lot for me to trust anyone and I don’t really have anyone that can take Lexi anyway but one person I would trust with the most precious thing in my life is Jennifer. Starting the group when I was told that eventually we would have to leave the kiddies and go up stairs I felt sick! A few weeks went by and I’m not going to lie to you I had hoped everyone had forgotten about it. The day Kirsty said right ladies let’s go I found it so hard to walk out that room. Kirsty made this situation easier but seeing how attentive and amazing Jennifer was with the kids settled me enough to get me out the door.
My little girl isn’t a cuddler but just Wednesday past she was cuddling Jennifer and to me that is amazing. I had been in a group two weeks ago with just myself, Lexi and Jennifer and it was so nice to sit and play with Lexi and have a chat. Again we need more Jennifer’s in the world. She is just such a kind person who is amazing at her job and the kids all love her.
Just recently I have just started to get support from Emily. Again she is another one who is so kind, easy to talk to and so supportive. I don’t know Emily all that well just yet but I feel very comfortable with her and feel like I can and have already spoken to her about lots with zero judgment. She makes me feel very relaxed when she visits and I know we can have a good giggle together or on the odd occasion I can have a cry (which can happen often in my case lol)
I appreciate everyone at Home Start for all the support I have had. I could never fully put into words how much honestly.