Three mums have told of the amazing boost it has been, seeing their design printed on a t–shirt sold online by a major British fashion and lifestyle brand, to raise money for Home-Start UK.

The trio entered a competition to design a t-shirt after White Stuff approached us, asking for mums to get involved as part of the brand’s campaign to empower women.

Now, their artwork has been turned into White Stuff t-shirts, with all profits going to Home-Start UK.

Laura Ross, who was supported by Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said: “My partner and dad always say they like what I draw but you never know if they are just being nice.

"I couldn’t believe that other people actually liked my stuff. I was so surprised when I heard White Stuff had selected my design. It’s given me so much confidence.

"I’m so excited to see what they do with my design. It’s been a lovely thing to be a part of and it’s made me realise I’m capable of so much more than I think I am.”

Charlotte Dooley, who supports mums through her work as Fundraising Manager for Home-Start Hampshire, said: “When I was going through my divorce I took up art as therapy. By focusing on art it gave me a break from the situation I was in and helped to switch my attention, even if just for an hour or so.

"I entered one piece into a competition where it was highly commended and later sold in a gallery. That inspired me to continue to paint.

“I want to encourage more people to use art to help improve or manage their own emotional wellbeing.

"What you produce isn’t important, it’s just the fact you were able to switch off and have a break. Painting and drawing uses a part of your brain you don’t usually use.

"When I came across the White Stuff competition I thought this was the perfect opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Home-Start, but also to share the value of creating and how it can make you feel. We shared it with the families we support, but when none came forward I decided to enter myself.”

Cheryl Hunt, who was supported by Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester, said: “When I received the email that my design had been shortlisted I was shopping. I actually did a little dance.

"I called my husband straightaway. It felt like a dream. To actually have someone say that what you’ve produced is good, really makes me believe in myself. Home-Start has made me feel so much more confident in my role as a mum, and now White Stuff has made me feel confident in my ability to expand my world beyond my home.”

Paula Bonham-Carter, Buying and Design Director at White Stuff, said: “We wanted to make this a fun and creative competition where everyone felt they could have a go.

"The designs we’ve chosen are superb and we hope the t-shirts have given the mums who designed them a big confidence boost, as well as inspiring others to push themselves out their comfort zone and try something new.”

Read more news