A family supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has spoken about the practical assistance, emotional relief and improved wellbeing provided by the charity’s Help at Home service.
Melissa Prince, mum to four-year-old Libby, who has the rare genetic condition CDG (PMM2 subtype), says the support has become an essential part of family life.
A volunteer visits their home each week, helping with household tasks including cleaning, tidying, ironing and light gardening.
Melissa said the practical help has eased pressure during a demanding routine that involves full-time caring responsibilities alongside remote working.
“She helps with tidying and cleaning, including giving the bathroom a onceover,” she said.
“To me, that’s the most important room but always the last thing that gets done so I’m very grateful.
“She’ll also do hoovering and dusting, as well as tidying the kids’ rooms and some ironing. It means the world because if Libby’s at nursery, I’m at work – and when she’s at home I can’t leave her side.
“For one day a week, I don’t have to worry or feel guilty that I haven’t got to something or that my kitchen floor needs a wash.
“One of the other big benefits is being able to stop and have a chat with the volunteer.
“Life can get very lonely. By the time my partner gets home, we’re dealing with the kids and getting them to bed.
“So it’s just nice to have that chat with someone every week. They get to know you and have some understanding of what you’re going through.”
Melissa says the support has a positive impact on her mental health and wider family life.
“It may seem like a small thing, but given our busy weeks and challenging days, it can make such a big difference to us and our mental health,” she said.
“By the time the evenings and weekends come round, I’m absolutely exhausted and haven’t got it in me to start cleaning.
“I literally work from the moment I drop my kids off at school to the moment I pick them up.
“So there’s no time for me to have an hour to myself to clean or tidy.
“Having this support helps me keep my job, and there’s definitely a wellbeing element for the whole family. It means I’m less stressed and that makes me a better partner and mum.
“It can be difficult sometimes and, as the parent of a child with complex needs, you’re constantly feeling judged.
“However, both of the ladies that I’ve had have been lovely and you can tell they’re non-judgmental and genuinely happy to help.”
Melissa, from Dereham, added that she would encourage others to consider becoming a Help at Home volunteer.
“There are some special people out there, because it must be quite hard going at times, meeting new people and families and going into their home,” she said.
“It’s an amazing thing to do and makes such a difference.
“I hope they realise how much of a difference it makes, and I hope more volunteers come forward because I’m sure there are more families like mine who would benefit.”
To find out more about becoming a Help at Home volunteer, email VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
