Reducing parent’s isolation
A mum with three young children whose marriage had recently broken up. Professionally very self confident, but lonely, emotionally fragile and self-doubting about her ability to cope with the children. The volunteer visited in the evening to give practical help to get the children to bed and then to provide the opportunity for the mum to talk. Eventually she began to feel much happier about her life.

Improve parenting skills
Mum who has problems relating to her eldest child and setting safe boundaries for all her children. FF had provided support at regular intervals. Her health visitor arranged for her and the eldest child to attend a series of sessions together at the family therapy unit. The volunteer looked after the youngest children to enable the mum and child to attend the therapy.

Improve parent’s emotional well-being
Mum with serious mental illness which was generally well controlled with medication. Her children were well cared for but she was going through a difficult period emotionally as a result of taking legal proceedings against her partner who had physically attacked her. During the court case the volunteer visited in the evening to enable her to talk through the stress she was experiencing. Eventually the volunteer successfully introduced her to a local toddler group. The mum is now stronger but may need further help in the future.

Support parent/child during time of physical ill health
Single mum needed help with young child following major surgery. The volunteer has helped with collecting the child from nursery and providing some respite for the mum. Support in conjunction with Crossroads is on going.

Provide respite for parent
Mum was the main carer for her disabled husband and their children. Young baby was not feeding properly or sleeping well. Mum was getting very stressed about the situation. The volunteer looked after the baby while the mum got some rest or went shopping. She is now feeling much better and is coping well. Practical help Mum with a new baby and two children of school age, one of whom had special learning needs. Dad did not give much support and the baby had feeding difficulties and required a lot of attention. Mum was feeling anxious about not being able to give the older children any time when they came in from school. The volunteer provided help with feeding and ironing to free up mum on a regular basis until the baby’s feeding routine improved.