What Families say
Home-Start Worthing & Adur exists for families. Here are some examples of how we have helped.
(All names have been changed to conceal identity)
Sue
Sue is a single parent who was referred to Home-Start by her health visitor. She was finding it very difficult to cope with her 3 children, all aged under 4 years. Her 4 year old son's behaviour had become disruptive when the new baby was born and he had begun to shout and throw his toys and not listen to what Sue would say to him. Sue was also suffering from postnatal depression.
Our volunteer Kathryn, started to visit the family every week and got to know Sue and the children. Kathryn brought with her arts and crafts material and got the two older children involved with making and displaying their work. Sue could use this time to be with the baby or do some housework. Sometimes Sue had doctor’s appointments and Kathryn would accompany her to these and be with the children in the waiting room while Sue saw the doctor on her own. Gradually over 6 months of Kathryn’s visits the behaviour of the oldest child changed and Sue began to feel able to cope with her parenting responsibilities.
Sue comments: "I couldn’t have coped with the children without knowing Kathryn was coming every week. She was a calming influence on me and the children. She always seemed to know what to do and say to the boys. I feel that I am now able to cope on my own, although I miss her company."
Dave and Debbie
Dave and Debbie have a baby son, Ethan. Dave has a physical disability and Debbie has mild learning difficulties. They live in a council flat with has one room which doubles up as a lounge and bedroom, together with a small kitchen and bathroom. This family was referred to us by their social worker with concerns over coping with a new baby. Debbie was anxious over bathing Ethan and preparing bottle feeds. Dave could not do these jobs because of his disability.
Our volunteer, Jane visited the family for a total of 3 months. She focussed on helping Debbie buy the baby milk, prepare the feeds and encourage her in the feeding of the baby. She also demonstrated bathing the baby. After several weeks of helping, Debbie felt a lot more confident and relaxed and started to enjoy Ethan.
Debbie commented: "My volunteer was great. She gave me confidence to cope with my baby and I am now really enjoying being a mum."