Last April marked the start of a difficult chapter for Laura. As a single mother to her six-month-old son, Axel, she found herself living alone in a new flat, a situation she had never envisioned. Though she had friends and family, the lack of consistent support left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

“It was one of the hardest times of my life. I was struggling terribly with my mental health, I really didn’t know how I was going to cope on my own with a baby, I felt so alone,” Laura shares. “I had recently moved into my first home, a flat, but it wasn’t how I’d pictured it or wanted it to be. My pregnancy wasn’t planned, and I didn’t have a partner to move in with. I was trying to build a new life for me and my baby.

Laura recalls the overwhelming feeling of being alone with her baby in an unfamiliar environment. Though people checked in occasionally, she longed for more consistent support. “Living on my own with a baby was daunting, and keeping up with everything felt impossible.”

Desperate for help, Laura visited her doctor, who referred her to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), where she was introduced to Home-Start Crawley, Horsham and Mid-Sussex (CHAMS). Despite initial apprehension, Laura reached out to Home-Start and was matched to Brittany, a volunteer who would become a pivotal figure in her life.

Laura explains: “Home-Start was so friendly and helpful from the get-go. I felt cared for immediately. I was told I could receive support in the form of a home visiting volunteer.

“At first, the idea of having a stranger in my house was daunting, but from the moment Brittany arrived, I felt at ease. Soon I looked forward to her weekly visits. She helped in ways I never imagined. She’d play with my son, giving me time to have a shower or we’d cook a meal together. She helped me sort through clothes to sell on Vinted, made my home feel more homely and even assisted me with finances and benefits, making sure I had what I needed to keep going.

“Looking back, I can’t imagine having made it through those early months without her. The support, guidance, and friendship were life changing. When I talk about Brittany, I have tears in my eyes – happy tears. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

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Meet Brittany - the volunteer who changed it all

Brittany, a mother of two with a passion for child development, was seeking a meaningful way to give back when she discovered Home-Start. With her children in school and a little more free time, she wanted to help other mums facing challenges.

Brittany said: “The Home-Start volunteer training was incredibly valuable and prepared me to support my first family, Laura and her baby, Axel.” From the start, I recognised the weight of the challenges Laura was facing. Moving into an unfinished home with no carpet or cooker, while adjusting to life as a single mother with a new baby was tough.

“Laura is a great mum, and Axel is such a bright, playful little boy. Seeing them thrive was one of the highlights of my time with them. Now that my time with them has ended, I’m excited to be matched with another family. Volunteering with Home-Start has strengthened my commitment to this work, and I’m very proud to be part of this organisation.”

As Laura continues to build her future and Brittany prepares to support another family, their journey together serves as a reminder that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. A little help and kindness can go a long way in creating hope and strength for those who need it most.