Home-Start Cymru highlights vital support for parents during Maternal Mental Health Week

Wales, UK — As Maternal Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on the emotional wellbeing of parents, Home-Start Cymru is calling for greater awareness and support for families facing mental health challenges in the early years.

The charity is sharing the story of Naomi Durham, a mother of two who previously received support from Home-Start Cymru. Her experience reflects the reality many parents face behind closed doors, often struggling in silence while appearing to cope on the surface.

Naomi Durham said: “On the outside, I tried to look like I was coping, but inside things were falling apart. I was struggling with postnatal depression, managing my health, and raising two young children on my own. For a long time, it felt like nobody really knew how to help me. But when I was matched with a Home-Start Cymru volunteer, everything began to change. For the first time in a long while, I felt like someone truly saw me and listened to me, and that support made all the difference.”

Naomi’s experience highlights the profound impact that early intervention and compassionate, community-based support can have on families. During a period marked by isolation, health challenges, and the pressures of caring for young children, having someone to listen without judgement became a turning point in her recovery.

Home-Start Cymru provides volunteer-led, one-to-one support for families with young children across Wales. By matching parents with trained volunteers who offer practical and emotional support, the organisation helps build resilience, reduce isolation, and improve mental wellbeing.

A spokesperson for Home-Start Cymru said: “Too many parents feel they have to struggle alone, particularly during the early years when the pressures can be overwhelming. Naomi’s story shows just how important it is for families to feel seen, heard, and supported. Our volunteers play a crucial role in offering that lifeline.”

Maternal Mental Health Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of conditions such as postnatal depression and to encourage parents to seek help. Home-Start Cymru is urging anyone who may be struggling to reach out and access support.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS 

About Home-Start Cymru 

Home-Start Cymru is at the forefront of family support in Wales, championing the cause of young children and their families through challenging times. Our network of trained volunteers embodies our commitment to fostering a supportive, nurturing environment for all families. For more about our work and how you can contribute, please visit www.homestartcymru.org.uk.

For more information contact: 

Press Contact: Daniel Broderick: dbroderick@homestartcymru.org.uk