At 35, Maxine found herself facing a chapter of life she hadn’t expected. With a lively four-year-old daughter and a ten-month-old baby boy to care for, everyday life had become more challenging than she had ever imagined. Following the birth of her youngest child, Maxine was struggling not only with her mobility but also with the emotional weight of adjusting to these sudden changes.
It was during this difficult time that she was referred to Home-Start Bradford by her occupational therapist. Although she had never heard of the service before, Maxine decided to give it a try – hoping that even a small amount of support might make a difference.
We caught up with Maxine to find out more about the impact of having a Home-Start Bradford peer support volunteer in her life.
How did your volunteer support you?
At the time, I was struggling significantly with my mobility and also finding it difficult to come to terms with these challenges mentally. My volunteer provided companionship and emotional support, but also helped me attend mother and baby groups. She was extremely supportive, friendly, and understanding, and helped me cope with the huge changes I was going through.
My volunteer was there for me exactly when I needed support the most. Having someone who would listen, offer reassurance, and give helpful advice made a big difference. She was also brilliant at finding and introducing me to new community groups that matched my interests, which really helped me feel more connected and less isolated.
What would you say to another family about Home-Start Bradford volunteer support?
If you need support and want it to be uncomplicated, friendly, and easy-going, then Home-Start Bradford District is ideal. I was genuinely gutted when the support came to an end – not because I still needed it, but because it had been such a positive and enjoyable experience having my volunteer around.
The service is incredibly valuable, especially during difficult and vulnerable periods. The volunteers are kind, approachable, and genuinely caring. The support feels very personal and never forced, which makes it easy to accept help when you need it most.
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m very grateful for the support I received from Home-Start Bradford District. It came at a time when I really needed someone, and it helped me regain confidence, independence, and a sense of normality during a challenging period of my life.
