Anne and Suki - “Anne was like a God-send from the word go.”
Anne Pharo, a grandmother from Gosport, has been supporting Suki and her son Jakob for the past two years. During that time they have developed a close bond. Suki was a single parent, who was new to the area and having a difficult time coping alone with an 11 month old baby, who seemed to be in constant pain. She felt completely overwhelmed by the situation.
Suki says,
“Jakob was crying all night and I had nobody to help me. I was coping on almost no sleep and dedicating my every hour to pacifying, breastfeeding Jakob, and cleaning up sick and diarrhea. I couldn't work or deal with my financial situation. ”
Suki says that making contact with Home-Start transformed her life by providing the help which she so desperately needed.
“Anne was like a God-send from the word go. She came round and Jakob opened his arms to be cuddled by Anne, there was an instant bond. She really listened to me and rather than forcing upon me a whole lot of advice of what I 'should do', she stops to ask how she can support me, and then is by my side to encourage me.”
With Anne's encouragement, Suki was able to get an accurate diagnosis for Jakob - he had chronic reflux and enlarged tonsils - and the treatment he needed. He has now had an operation and is sleeping much better and is a much happier child.
Anne, who is a retired infant school teacher, says,
“I really enjoy supporting Suki and Jakob. It has brought a new dimension to my life. To be actively useful to young families is hugely beneficial to me. It's a privilege. It's really important for Suki to have someone. We talk through a lot and are great friends.”
In return Suki describes Anne as 'like a mentor' to her,
Having Anne standing by me and believing in me has been so amazing, says Suki, “She is completely and utterly non-judgmental. She has taught me how to cope with the stress I've encountered in life. Having Anne by my side, to listen, to talk things through with and to give Jakob the love he needs in my stressful moments has saved us.”
