Frankies’ story

CASE STUDY

Home-Start supported Frankie following the loss of her daughters father.

 

Frankie is a single mother to 2 little girls Jess and Mary, she moved to Ipswich to a two-bedroom Housing Association flat for a fresh start following the death of her daughters father. 

Frankie grew up in an abusive home and had no friends or family in the area and no local support for her and her girls.  Throughout her life, Frankie struggled with poor mental health, low moods, stress and anxiety and was worried that she would get stuck in spiralling depression.  She then made the bold step to proactively seek help by self-referring to Home-Start via the MASH team.  After an initial chat with a Home-Start, the family were matched with volunteer Catherine. 

The death of Mary’s father meant the relationship with this side of the family were strained and conflict over contact frequently occurred.  A referral to Social Care by paternal grandparents citing neglect instigating a Parenting Assessment being undertaken, adding more stress and anxiety to Frankie and her family, however this resulted in no further action being taken.  

 

 

Frankie’s anxiety levels increased significantly and consequently attending appointments and groups with the children became a big challenge and often these were missed completely. The practical and emotional support Catherine offered the family was consistent with the original referral needs and helped Frankie access relevant agencies including Cafcass, Children’s Centre’s, Health Visitors, schools and nurseries.  With Catherine’s support and guidance Frankie is managing her anxieties and behaviours and as a result the children are now attending all required health appointments.   

Frankie’s mental health has improved dramatically and with encouragement from Catherine, she has successfully applied for a University Access Course which is huge achievement.  

Frankie says that she feels her volunteer “made a huge impact on her life, having someone to speak to and encourage her made her want to succeed and reach for the stars!”

 

With the volunteer’s support and guidance, Frankie is managing her anxieties and behaviours and as a result the children are now attending all required health appointments.