Ann came today and was absolutely amazing like she always is…She walked into the house and I was almost having a meltdown. The baby was unwell and in hospital yesterday and my house was a disaster zone. She helped me get on top of things. I am so grateful, words can’t express how much having her come over has changed my life and helped me stay sane.

I know I’ve told you before but Ann truly is my guardian angel. I look forward to Mondays like they are Christmas Day. After having the girls in hospital on Thursday and my son sent home sick from day care, to have practical support from Ann is just amazing. I’d be a mess without her. Thank you again.

I watched my volunteer interact with my boys. She would sit with them on the rug, playing games and singing songs, and they really loved it. It just hadn’t occurred to me that I could enjoy my children. Instead, I felt angry, resentful, tired and I felt like they had ruined my life.

My volunteer helped me connect with my babies. She modelled for me how to play with and enjoy my children and it happened in my own home, using my own resources. And now I enjoy playing with my boys. I like to be with them, and I enjoy their company.

Having a Home-Start volunteer has been a very positive thing for me and for our family. Her support has reduced my stress levels and she has helped me get in touch with community resources. The fact that I can schedule, organise and rely on someone once a week has been so helpful. I have benefited so much from having a Home-Start volunteer. Highlights for me are: support, a sense of friendship/family, being able to trust someone with the baby, an unbiased listening ear and benefiting from her local knowledge.