Christine and Adele - “It’s almost like she can read my mind”
Adele Kelly, 32, from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland, and her husband certainly have their hands full as parents of five children under seven -including five month-old twins. Adele has been supported by Christine since the later stages of her pregnancy. She says,
“Much as I love being a mother there are some days when mummy can’t give 100%. I really look forward to the days when Christine is coming. She’s tremendous. It’s almost like she can read my mind - she knows when I want to chat or when the children are playing up. She’s great with the children and can take the eldest ones and give me some time with the babies. With my husband working long hours it’s also really wonderful to have some adult conversation and support. Christine gives me encouragement and advice and it makes all the difference in the world.”
Christine, 43, has six children of her own and has just become a grandmother for the first time. She has been a volunteer for Home-Start for four years. For the past three years she has also been working part-time as Family Group Assistant for Home-Start Ballynahinch. She says,
“I was at a bit of a loose end when my youngest child went to school and wanted to do something meaningful with my time. I felt that after having six children I had a bit of experience in parenting! I think it’s a privilege to volunteer for Home-Start and to be accepted into another person’s family. I can reassure Adele that she’s doing a good job, help out practically or just listen and let her know that she’s not alone. I would recommend volunteering for Home-Start. You meet so many different people and you don’t know what doors it will open.”
