Samerina had a 6-month-old baby who wasn’t sleeping. Samerina was suffering with some mental health issues resulting from a difficult past and their older child has been referred to inclusion services due to displaying some learning difficulties. Samerina was socially isolated and struggled to leave the house. Samerina had recently had a history of trafficking and slavery which has contributed to her mental health struggles. She was referred to St Albans for support.
We asked her how she had been feeling and she told us that she had been “Depressed and tearful.” She described being fearful of her past, exhausted and isolated. The continuous sleepless nights that Samerina experienced with her infant exacerbated these feelings. Demands of parenting and constant lack of sleep was having a detrimental impact on her emotional and general well-being. She needed some emotional support and support with day-to-day situations.
Samerina told us that when the baby settles down into a better sleep routine this will allow her to rest and get some sleep. She wants to feel happier and find ways of coping with challenging personal circumstances. We gave her support in contacting her health visitor regarding advice on setting a sleep routine. Support was offered to discuss her difficulties with the health visitor and support was given to help Samerina leave the house and interact with other adults. We also support her with food bank vouchers and household essentials.
Since we began working with Samerina she has applied for Asylum and the advice on sleep routine has enabled baby to become more settled and sleep more during the night. Mum is better rested, happier, and more able to build relationships with other mothers that attend her child’s pre-school. She has begun attending a coffee morning and engaging with other parents. She has received food bank vouchers, food parcels and support to engage with other professionals. S plans to complete her asylum application process and continue to attend the group. She is thinking ahead to getting the kids out of the house more and enjoying more fresh air. When asked why this project should be given funding support she replied, “I feel much better now so other people should have that.”
I feel more rested and happier. I am reassured that I am doing good for my children and feel I am much better now. I have more confidence to attend the coffee morning and feel more positive and enjoying participating in discussions with others. I have a more positive outlook for the future.”
Samerina
