We have launched a £10,000 appeal to help young mums in crisis and need urgent assistance to support young, homeless mothers who are dealing with mental health issues, depression, and the impact of domestic violence.
Following consultation with healthcare referrers and a gap in service provision in the area, we have identified a need to help homeless young mums in Dorset.
Over the last year, more referrals have been received for parents who are living in temporary accommodation and who are struggling to cope with complex issues such as mental health difficulties, peri/post-natal depression, domestic violence, poverty, drug/alcohol abuse, parent/child attachment issues and loneliness.
We piloted weekly family group sessions and asked each parent to complete a referral form and tell us about the issues we can help with. All had mental health issues, 80 per cent felt isolated/lonely, 40 per cent had postnatal depression and 40 per cent had suffered domestic violence.
The mental health issues and a lack of confidence and self-esteem mean they are isolated and not engaging with each other or community family/children’s groups and services, missing out on vital socialisation.
The positive response to Home-Start support has been overwhelming. But we cannot continue helping young mums in crisis without securing more funding.
We are now appealing to the local community to help us raise the £10,000 needed to continue supporting families throughout 2023.
Caroline Pope Community & Corporate Engagement Manager said : “What better investment could you make than in your local community, changing a child’s future through a better start in life?”
If you can help us by pledging to donate a minimum of £500 please complete this pledge form and return to caroline@homestartwessex.org.uk
For more information about our appeal please contact caroline@homestartwessex.org.uk
Thank you.