COMMENTS FROM FAMILIES

It was lovely to have somebody here just for me. I am more confident, stronger as a person. A lot happier. I have been so very lucky with Marion. She really is wonderful. I don’t know how I would have progressed without her.

I have managed to keep a lid on my thinking I am going mad. Sue has helped me keep a sense of proportion about my fears, real or imagined. She has been an amazing lifeline.

Debbie helps me cope and the children love her. I wish I could keep her for ever.

I look on Ursula as a friend, for advice and to chat things over. She makes me feel calmer and more able to cope.

When my husband was in prison I was feeling very low and unable to play with the children. I appreciated having somebody to talk to. Maureen played with my little boys and they looked forward to her visits. Keep up the good work. It’s nice to know people care.

Sylvia is teaching me all the things I need to know about raising triplets. As a man, I am learning from the beginning.

Carol gives me time to give to my other children because my autistic child usually demands all my time. I can also get on with some tasks. Carol took the trouble to go to the library and take out books on autism, to better understand my child’s problems.

It has been wonderful to talk about the children, help with the children, develop a friendship, enable me to get on with jobs. I’ve just been very happy and very lucky to have Maggie.

COMMENTS ON EVALUATION FORMS FROM REFERRERS

Health Visitor

Without this service many women with small children would/could develop postnatal depression. Your volunteers bridge the gap many extended families provide except the extended family is not around for many people.

Health Visitor

The service offered by Home-Start was ideal, particularly as the role of the helper was discussed and decided with the parent. I hope you manage to get more volunteers as there are many other families who would welcome your support.

Health Visitor

I was amazed at the speed in which the client was visited and a volunteer placed following referral. An excellent service.

Health Visitor

You befriended a mother who needed support from an independent source - not family or friends’ circle - enabling her to veer away from solely focusing on child and anxieties connected with parenting, and realise she is a person in her own right.

Health Visitor

The volunteer helped on a practical level and also became a good befriender, which was just what the client needed. An excellent, helpful and well-managed service.