Sophie’s story

CASE STUDY

Sophie’s husband Jack was concerned about his wife’s mental health while he was away on tour.

 

With Jack’s deployment imminent, there were concerns raised as Sophie has suffered severe anxiety and following the birth of their daughter was diagnosed with severe post-natal depression. Jack was very concerned Sophie’s anxiety could escalate further while he was away.  

Based in rural mid Suffolk and with no family living locally, Sophie and her daughter were very isolated with limited transport options available as Sophie does not drive and public transport is challenging. Sophie’s mental health was very fragile and the increased isolation as a result of COVID restrictions exacerbated this immensely, especially as family members were unable to travel to visit to stay and offer their support. 

 

 

As time was of the essence, we fast-tracked our response to the referral, arranging to visit the family and subsequently matching a volunteer to Sophie on the same day, meaning the weekly support could commence from the first week of Jack’s departure. Home-Start volunteer Wendy, visited Sophie and their daughter weekly until Jack returned home. Sophie has found the support extremely beneficial and coped with her mental health much better than she expected thanks to having the volunteer available to provide emotional and practical support each week. 

In her own words Sophie said “If I hadn’t had the support from Home-Start in Suffolk, I honestly don’t think I would still be here today.”

 

“If I hadn’t had the support from Home-Start in Suffolk, I honestly don’t think I would still be here today.”