The aim of Mum2Mum is to offer friendship and support to mums aged 16-30, especially those who are parenting in challenging circumstances. Mums are matched with a volunteer befriender who will meet with them on a one-to-one basis, at least once a fortnight. This service is open to everyone who thinks it might be a help to them, whatever race, religion, background or life experiences they may have. Princess Project befrienders are volunteers from local churches. They have parenting experience themselves, and are from all walks of life. They have been through a selection process that includes taking part in initial and ongoing training, and being interviewed. References are obtained, and DBS checks carried out for all befrienders. Once they have been put in touch with one another, the befriender and new mum will start meeting regularly, building a relationship in which the mum's needs and concerns can be discussed and addressed. Where they meet and when can vary depending on each pair- from a soft play centre, to a walk in the park, to a cup of tea in a cafe, to a home visit- we have mums and befrienders meeting in all sorts of locations across Maidstone and the Medway towns! Sometimes just having someone to talk to, and share about your concerns and struggles, makes all the difference, and is all that is needed. If there are other agencies working with the family however, eg Social Services, Children's Centres or schools workers, a befriender can come alongside the mum and be part of that network of support, a friendly, non judgmental, consistent presence. Our befrienders will help to signpost mums to the agencies of services who can best help them with any issues that may arise, for example with regards to benefits advice or domestic abuse support.
Service access criteria:
aged 16-30
Categories:
Day centres
Carers support groups
Family support groups and organisations
Connecting with others
Additional needs catered for:
N/A
Waiting list (weeks):
0
Neighbourhood, Communities,Befriending, Parentering,