Hannah’s story

Names have been changed to protect identity

“I have gained so much independence whilst under the support of my project worker, I've become confident doing things I wouldn't have been able to do 2 years ago such as filling forms, making phone calls and getting to groups with my child. She was so friendly and easy to talk to, I felt at ease asking questions. It's a shame the support is over so soon but I've come out shining at the other end!”

Hannah has received 2 years of support from our Young Parents Tenancy Support Programme (YPTS) and is a fantastic example of how hard work and the right support can be life-changing.

Feeling unmotivated and struggling to engage, Hannah was going through mental health problems, tenancy issues and was at the time pregnant with a baby boy who sadly died aged 4 weeks due to SIDS. She was referred to YWCA Yorkshire by a healthcare professional, where she was assigned a project worker. An extensive support plan was set up with routines, behaviour management and promoting positive emotional wellbeing. This led to Hannah completing her first NOCN qualification in parenting and routines! After which, she went onto access a First Aid course in school and has completed a further 2 NOCN lifestyle booklets in Improving Self Confidence and Dealing with Domestic Abuse.

Hannah had never gained any qualifications before and was delighted to receive her NOCN certificates

With her project workers support, Hannah came away with lots of resources and strategies for managing negative behaviours, promoting positive behaviours and how to support her children with their emotional wellbeing.

The Impact

Both Hannah and the family have now got the knowledge and resources that they need to succeed.  The impact on her mental health and self-belief has been inspiring for such a short space of time. Hannah mentions that the support of her project worker has given her the confidence to stand up. So much so, that she has emailed Boris Johnson as she is concerned that not enough advice has been given to pregnant women during the COVID-19 outbreak.

She wants to know if partners can now come to scans, be on wards and attend all maternity appointments as no mother should be alone if receiving bad news, considering her past experience.