“It’s been a privilege to work with these women and be their peer”

A volunteer shares their experience of being a peer mentor on our Sure STEPS programme for mothers who are dealing with the challenges of becoming a parent.

I joined the Sure STEPS programme back in 2019 and was one of the original cohort of local parents to join. 

Ceri approached me in the school playground and handed me a flyer outlining the purpose of the group and it’s plan to support local families. 

 Given my background working in healthcare governance, also as a single mum to a young deaf child and having been through the criminal and family court system I felt this was an opportunity to help support other local mums with life’s challenges. 

 The training was fantastic, in-depth without being overwhelming, a great group of other local mums with Ceri and the team. 

 I was matched with 4 mums over a 2/3 year period and offered a confidential, safe space to talk, helping where necessary with signposting or onwards referrals. 

 The support needed by these families varied, it was rewarding when you knew the parent had trust in you and a mutual rapport evolved. 

 At times it was challenging but with the assistance of the team and my previous experiences, personally and professionally we were able to support and empower the parent in figuring out their options and solutions. 

 The underpinning theme that runs through these families is that when we were able to say goodbye they were in a much happier, healthier and safer place than where they began. 

 The reality is that some can now leave the house and take their children to school or days out, where previously they couldn’t without extreme physical and mental distress. 

Others have started a completely new journey, even a new life, physically and emotionally miles away from where I first met them. 

 It’s been a privilege to work with these women and be their peer. I know how it feels to be stripped bare of your choices, finances, power and self belief, it was humbling to help them find theirs again.

 I whole heartedly support the need for ongoing help for our local families and would highly encourage more men to join the programme and help fathers in the community.