Life-changing volunteers are easing pressure on new mums struggling to cope, according to a leading charity.
Aberlour Children’s Charity has told how volunteer befrienders in Edinburgh and across Lothian are protecting mothers suffering anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
The charity has detailed the support of its perinatal befrienders as it appeals for volunteers.
Clare Cook, manager of the Perinatal Befriending service in Forth Valley and Lothians, said the only qualifications are empathy and an ability to listen.
She said: “It is a very simple idea but can make the biggest difference.
“A baby’s first year can be a stressful, challenging time for mums and we know early support and intervention is key to protecting perinatal mental health.
“New mums might feel the whole world is piling on top of them but are reluctant to reveal how they are feeling or admit to having a hard time.”
Adding: “Our volunteers are a helping hand when they need one and a pair of ears when they need to talk.”
Aberlour is highlighting the befriending service during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of mental health conditions affecting one in five pregnant women and new mums.
One of the charity’s volunteer befrienders, Lyndsey Hall, from Edinburgh, joined the service three years ago and said her work with new mums has been hugely rewarding.
“Some of the mums we work with have mental health issues from before their pregnancy. Some are struggling with the pressure of being a new mum.
“The most important thing is that we are not there to judge or advise or fix things. We are there to provide a sympathetic ear. You don’t need any special qualifications, just a willingness to listen and support.
“That first year can be a very tough time for new mums. Everyone telling them that it should be a happy time can make it even harder to talk about it if they are feeling anxious or depressed.
“Some mums just need some encouragement to get out and about.
“It can be easy to become isolated with a new baby and sometimes they have no one to talk to.
“Sometimes they have family but don’t want to be judged, or appear as if they are being critical as if the support they are getting from their family is not enough.
She said: “We are not there to judge or advise or fix things. We are there to provide a sympathetic ear.
“We just try to make a mum’s life a little easier during what can be a tough time.”
As a mother of three, she said her visits are shaped by mums, adding: “I might be rocking the baby while they are getting a haircut or going to the dentist or the shops.
“Sometimes, I might just be sitting on the floor playing with the baby and having a chat.”
Lyndsey, former lawyer, hailed the training provided by Aberlour before she was assigned her first mum and the support in the years since.
“As my children grew older and began to leave home I had more time on my hands and was looking for a new challenge.
“I was interested in volunteering as it would allow me to do something positive but would give me more flexibility than going back to work.
“The befriending service really appealed to me as I remember very clearly how long days can feel at home with a little baby.
She said: “The Aberlour team could not be more supportive or helpful. They are terrific.
“It has been nice to feel a little challenged while being part of a team, to do something unconnected to my family and home.
“I’ve worked with four mums now and, very roughly, it takes up one afternoon a week however I feel lucky to have found a place in the service and find it incredibly satisfying, really rewarding.
“I’m always encouraging my friends to think about it. It feels like time really well spent and it feels like a good thing and a worthwhile way to spend a little time.”
The charity is appealing for more volunteer befrienders to join the service in Edinburgh and the Lothians and Jen Reston, Aberlour head of volunteering, encouraged anyone interested to get in touch.
She said: “All our volunteers receive high quality training and practical experience of helping families affected by perinatal mental health issues with ongoing support.
“Our befrienders offer such valuable support to new parents but they tell us how much they take from the experience.”
