34% of the families we support are struggling with some form of mental ill-health. 35% are lonely and isolated and another 30% of parents who come to us have low self-esteem.

Your family may be trying to cope with the impact of mental ill-health or post-natal depression.  You may be struggling to care for your young children while you are trying to get better.  Home-Starts across the country may be able to help - with the support of a volunteer who understands and can visit you at home, or through specialist support groups such as Mums in Mind.  If you are a father struggling to cope while your wife or partner goes through the dark days of postnatal illness, you may be able to find one of our dad's support groups.

Amongst other things, Kelly struggled with postnatal depression.  "I couldn't walk out of the door.  I was so low I thought my children would be taken away.  I was worried I wasn't good enough.  But my Home-Start volunteer was the first person to take me out.   Before I didn't want to look at tomorrow;  now I can't wait."  This is Kelly and John's family story:

To find out if Home-Start has a volunteer available to help you, contact your local Home-Start.

Also, look at our Things We Can Help With section and common questions page for more information.