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 across Lothian are protecting mothers suffering anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

One of Scotland’s most respected charities, Aberlour 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.

Clare 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.”

“Our volunteers are a helping hand when they need one and a pair of ears when they need to talk.

Aberlour, one of Scotland’s most respected children’s charities, is highlighting the befriending service during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. It started on Monday [4 MAY] 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.

Lyndsey 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.”
Hall, a mother of three, 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.

Hall, a former lawyer, hailed the training provided by Aberlour before she was assigned her first mum and the support in the years since.

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.

“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.

“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.

Jen 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.

Find out more about volunteering with Aberlour.