“My mental health has improved because of Family Club”: Katryn's story
Through our Family Club, Kingsley and his mum, Katryn, have seen improvements in their wellbeing and development, thanks to Nationwide Fairer Futures.
At the time, young mum-to-be, Katryn, was preparing to live on her own for the first time.
Her future was uncertain, and she felt scared. Her local council recognised that she needed the extra support, and referred her to Action for Children's Swansea Young Families service.
I was going through a rough time, feeling stressed, anxious and nervous. It was an overwhelming mixture of emotions.
Katryn
Katryn was assigned an Action for Children Family Support Practitioner named Stuart.
As she adjusted to living independently, Stuart helped her to understand essential life skills, including council tax, rent, and benefits paperwork.
He also encouraged Katryn to arrange maintenance and repairs that were needed around her home.
The support made me feel more confident with living alone. Without the help of Action for Children, I wouldn’t have had a clue what I was doing.
Katryn, on how Stuart's support helped her
When Kingsley was born, Katryn and her son were invited to join one of Action for Children's Family Clubs.
Our Family clubs provide a safe and welcoming space allowing families to come together, enjoy a warm meal, and connect with eachother.
Supported by Nationwide Fairer Futures Programme, Family Clubs also offer practical and emotional support to help families facing hardship, loneliness and isolation.
For Katryn, taking the first step into Family Club wasn't easy.
I lost all motivation. I couldn't clean the house or go out. I just didn't want to interact with anyone.
Katryn
Family club offered something Katryn had been missing. A chance to connect with others.
Although the thought of going felt overwhelming, with the encouragement from her support worker, she pushed past her fears and decided to go.
Since joining Family Club, Katryn has seen a real improvement in her mental health and confidence.
She's enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other parents in similar situations, helping her to realise that she's not alone.
No families were left isolated, which made me feel happy. All the staff were really lovely and welcoming as well. Being in that group made me feel like I’m not being judged and that I can be myself.
Katryn
Katryn has also seen a positive change in Kingsley since attending Family Club.
Having the opportunity to play with new toys, take part in activities and spend time with other children has helped him develop important social skills.
Kingsley is now a bubblier boy who’s enjoying going out more and learning new things.
Katryn
With the friendships and support Katryn found through Family Club, she now feels more comfortable leaving the house, and finds herself wanting to be more involved in her local community.
The encouragement she received from Action for Children led her to successfully secure a job, an achievement that's enabled her to positively look ahead.
Katryn hopes to continue to build a stable future for herself and her now one-year-old son Kingsley, where she hopes to save money and make happy memories together on holiday.
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