Home-Start West Berkshire maternal mental health project receives £1,000 donation from Thatcham Rotary Club

A maternal mental health project has received a £1,000 donation from Thatcham Rotary Club.

The Home-Start West Berkshire project offers weekly support from volunteers for mothers experiencing mental health difficulties such as postnatal depression and anxiety.

Home-Start West Berkshire provides support when families are facing challenges in providing their children the support they need.

It has been supporting families with issues such as isolation, physical and mental health and financial hardship for more than 25 years.

Its maternity project provides respite, opportunities for self-care and helps mums get out and about in the community.

Referrals to Home-Start West Berkshire are rapidly increasing.

Home-Start says mental health issues are a complicating factor in many families’ lives.

Thatcham Rotary presented the charity with a cheque for £1,124 on Wednesday, August 2.

The Rotary funds have come from its Classic Car Rally.

In attendance – to receive the cheque – was Home-Start director Grace Green.

She said: “Each day, we are seeing more families with complex needs.

“Depression can make even the simplest of tasks, such as taking a shower, a struggle.

“Our volunteers tell parents it’s okay not to be okay and find ways to make small improvements that make a big difference overall, enabling to find joy again in parenthood.

“Fundraising by local community groups like this has a huge impact on local families in need.”

She added: “We were delighted to be chosen as one of the Thatcham Rotary Club’s charities to benefit from the Thatcham Fun Day and Classic Car Show.

“Home-Start West Berkshire attends the event every year and it is a great event to raise awareness of the vital work the charity does.”