Home-Start Wessex, the local families charity, has launched a £10,000 appeal to help young mums in crisis.

It is appealing for urgent assistance to support young, homeless mothers who are dealing with mental health issues, depression and the impact of domestic violence.

Following consultation with healthcare referrers and a gap in service provision in the area, the charity identified a need for a new support group for homeless young mums in Dorset.

A weekly support group was then piloted at a temporary hostel which houses 25 mothers and their children at any one time.

Over the last year, more referrals have been received for parents living in this type of accommodation.

They may be struggling with parenting due to their living circumstances, such as residing in a temporary homeless hostel, as well as mental wellbeing and isolation.

The single mothers at the hostel are aged 18-25, living with their young children in small rooms while they wait for permanent social housing.

Home-Start Wessex says that as well as being homeless, they are under immense pressure and very isolated.

Often they are struggling to cope with complex issues such as mental health difficulties, peri/post-natal depression, domestic violence, poverty, drug/alcohol abuse, parent/child attachment issues and loneliness.

Caroline Pope, pictured left, Community & Corporate Engagement Manager at Home-Start Wessex, said: “From meeting with the hostel manager and parents and observation over a number of visits, it was very clear that a new group would greatly benefit parents and their children by providing a nurturing environment to tackle isolation and reduce loneliness.

“We piloted sessions to gauge interest initially and ten parents attended with their children.

“We asked each parent to complete a referral form and tell us about the issues we can help with.

“All had mental health issues, 80 per cent felt isolated/lonely, 40 per cent had postnatal depression and 40 per cent had suffered domestic violence.

“Whilst there is a communal space, it is sad, joyless, and unwelcoming so most of the mums stay in their small bedsit rooms.

“The mental health issues and a lack of confidence and self-esteem mean they are isolated and not engaging with each other or community family/children’s groups and services, missing out on vital socialisation.

“The positive response to a weekly Home-Start group there has been overwhelming.

“But we cannot continue the group long-term without securing more funding.

“We know that this group is already transforming the lives of these children and their parents.

“Run by our highly skilled Family Groups Leader with volunteer support, this new group provides a safe and welcoming setting where young mums and their children can receive emotional support, make friends and increase their confidence and self-esteem.”

Home-Start Wessex is now appealing to the local community to help the charity raise the £10,000 needed to continue supporting families throughout 2023.

Caroline added: “What better investment could you make than in your local community, changing a child’s future through a better start in life?”

• If you think you can help, please contact caroline@homestartwessex.org.uk.