Last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I was thinking about National Volunteer week and the volunteers past and present that have and do contribute to the work of Mothers Helpers.  It warms my heart to think of every single person that has contributed in some way.  There is something about a Mothers Helpers volunteer.  Every single person that has volunteered for Mothers Helpers in any capacity has had one thing in common:  they are really good, kind and giving people.  I love spending time with them, I love working with them – they’re probably the people I feel most akin to.  Each one of us is motivated to sacrifice our own time to ease another person’s suffering.  I admire and respect people like that.  They’re the kind of people I want to hang out with.  I liken our volunteers’ contribution to the work of Mothers Helpers to that of a single patch in a large quilt.  Every piece of fabric is woven together to create something larger that provides warmth and comfort.  Every piece is valuable and every piece is needed to provide a unique and vibrant pattern.

It is with this metaphor in mind that I have decided to create a quilt with each volunteer that has contributed to our work representing a patch as a reminder of what we have created and continue to create together.  Each patch will be chosen and named for the volunteer that has worked with us, and will be remembered for the work that they have done to help New Zealand mothers and families.

Volunteering makes you feel good.  It brings out the very best of ourselves.  It unites us with other good people.  It contributes something good to our community.  It makes the world a better place.  Thank you to every single one of the volunteers that have contributed to the work of Mothers Helpers since its inception five years ago.

If you would like to volunteer with Mothers Helpers in any capacity, please Contact Us

Kristina Paterson, Founder

The post Mothers Helpers Celebrates our Volunteers first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

Valued member of our Management Committee, Karyn Churcher tells us why she is involved with Mothers Helpers:”

When I heard about Mothers Helpers, I liked the way they give practical help to many mothers that are struggling. Having suffered with PND myself, been a single parent and supported woman and families, through fostering and teaching, I thought this would be something I could use my experiences to benefit other women and families, focusing on early intervention rather than at the bottom of the hill that some of my years of fostering had been.  I am learning from and working with some passionate people.  They have a very different skill set from me so it is a learning curve.  It is great to be involved with passionate caring people who are doing this for the good of others, no financial gain just a belief that they can make a difference.”

Kiri Windross is our General Administrator for Mothers Helpers.  She’s worn a number of hats since she has started with us including that of Auckland Area Manager, and we honestly could not have been able to do as much as we’ve been able to do without her.  She has also filled a need whenever she can – whether that’s been relieving a volunteer offering childcare or whether it’s sponsoring a mother so she can attend our PND Recovery course.  We are so grateful to have her as part of our team.  Kiri shares what motivates her…

“I chose to volunteer with Mothers Helpers because I know there is not enough government support for this debilitating illness, and it is an illness that can have a huge impact not only on mums, but on children, fathers and the family unit in general.  I also feel passionate about the fact that being supported by people who understand what you are going through makes the journey of depression less lonely.  I remember feeling when I was going through depression, that I would not wish the experience upon my worst enemy.  That seems a strong statement, but it expresses the desperation I felt at the time.  To know that my efforts may help to reduce the impact or severity on other people’s lives and this make every minute of volunteering worthwhile.  There is a big difference between receiving help from someone who actually cares, as opposed to receiving help from someone who is being paid to help you.  It feels really good to know you are making a difference.”

Judy Moore has recently joined the Mothers Helpers team as a Recruitment Manager.  With a background in Human Resources in the health industry, we are very fortunate to have her volunteer her time to help us.  Judy shares here why she has chosen to do that…

“The world today is very busy and demanding place for us all, but especially parents in general.  Families are often separated and neighbours do not know one another so when times get tough for mothers/parents there is often  a lack of available support or a lack of understanding of how to help.  Mothers Helpers is there to do exactly what it says in its title ie help and support mothers during times when they need help and guidance.  It is a cause I truly believe in – family is the heart of our nation. I think volunteering should be part of an individuals commitment to society.  For a community/society to prosper we need volunteers and to be a well rounded citizen I believe we need to give back to our community through volunteering.” 

 

Would You Like to Volunteer with Mothers Helpers?

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The post Introducing a Few of Our Volunteers first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

We are so fortunate to have Bridget Baker on the Management Committee of Mothers Helpers.  Like the rest of us, she brings her own personal experience of Postnatal Depression but she also has an amazing background in Communications that has helped Mothers Helpers significantly.  Her time, her commitment and dedication to the role is so appreciated and so valuable.  It’s wonderful to have her as part of our team.

After experiencing PND and witnessing first-hand the gaps in the current health system, I was passionate about giving back to the community to help other mums avoid or minimise the type of experience that I had. The Mothers Helpers recovery course was recommended to me. Having just completed the 10 week course, which was amazing!, I knew that this organisation had the right services and information for other mums out there to fill that gap that existed. At that time Mothers Helpers had put out a call for volunteers so I jumped at the opportunity.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organisation. I have gained so much from volunteering for Mothers Helpers such as –giving me a greater sense of purpose that I’m helping make a difference in our community; focusing on others and not just myself has helped with my depression; I have been able to apply my professional skills to the organisations needs; I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues in the organisation; and I have also made some new friends.

I would highly recommend others to  volunteer for Mothers Helpers. The organisation is run by a collection of incredibly intelligent, passionate and caring people. Every person is totally dedicated to helping mums and their families recover from (or avoid) PND.  It’s a wonderfully supportive environment and I have learnt a lot from my colleagues. Plus it is amazing to be a part of something that is truly making a difference in people’s lives.

 

Would You Like to Volunteer with Mothers Helpers?

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The post Bridget Gives Back After Receiving Support to Recover From PND first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

Annabelle Caesar volunteers to take care of mothers’ babies so that they can attend the PND Recovery course in St Heliers.  Without her efforts, these mothers could not spend time focusing on their recovery for a few hours each week.  Annabelle tells us why she volunteers…

I am a mother of 3 children aged 9, 11 and 13. I have worked in paid employment part time on and off since becoming a mother, however in October last year the contract I was working on came to its completion and we decided I should stay at home while our two eldest children started new schools.

For some time I had wanted to give back to the community so I looked online and found Mothers Helpers which appealed to me after having 3 children myself.

I registered to help and one day received an email from Kiri asking if I could look after the children while mothers attended a course at St Heliers Bay Community Centre on a Wednesday morning. This suited me so I sifted through our youngest son’s room, found the old Thomas the Tank Engine train set and took off for St Heliers.

I looked after 3 twenty month olds and a 2 two year old. Its amazing how quickly you forget the business of little people. They are quick on their stumbling feet and have the most amazingly inquisitive minds. Over the course of 10 weeks the children and I become great buddies. The satisfaction of giving something back to the community was fantastic, I was rewarded by cuddles and lots of laughs with the children. It was also great watching the mums grow and blossom in each others company.

I would recommend volunteering to anyone who has the time and wants to give a little back.

 

Would You Like to Volunteer with Mothers Helpers?

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The post ‘Giving Back is Fantastic’ first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year, the theme is “Give”:

 

Your time – te wā ki a koe, your words – ō kupu, your presence – ko koe tonu.

The Mental Health Foundation says:  “Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connection with the people around you. It feels good to give and everybody has something to offer. How will you play your part?” 

Would You Like to Volunteer with Mothers Helpers?

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The post ‘Being Part of Mothers Helpers is an Honour’ first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

“It feels like a lifetime ago that I was attempting to talk to the receptionist at the medical centre with tears streaming down both checks, in reality it was only eight weeks ago. With gratitude in my heart I feel far removed from the post natal anxiety and depression that covered several weeks following my daughters birth. This was not a new experience for me, I had been through a severe bout of PND six years earlier after having my son. Equipped with a tool-belt of self-care and resilience skills, PND the second time round was a shallower valley to walk down, and shorter in it’s duration. I wasn’t completely in the clear of PND when it occurred to me I wanted to help other mums struggling with this season of their lives. I came across the website for Mothers Helpers and thought what better way to take my eyes off my own suffering, than to assist other mums.

“I enquired to see if an assistant facilitator was needed in my area. There were no openings for that role however they were in need of someone to help with childcare. As long as I could shine some light into someone’s distress I wasn’t worried what role I volunteered in. Having walked through what I had previously experienced I knew I could bring hope. And hope, which is that eager expectation that good is around the corner, that we will be feeling better soon, is the light that mums need. The Ten week Mothers Helpers course provides relevant course material and support, to aid mothers experiencing stress or PND. Meeting weekly I ventured out with my baby at my side to assist the mums with theirs, hoping that they can focus better on the session they’re attending. I sometimes thought my being there was pointless and I felt I wasn’t helping much at all. As the weeks progressed the course facilitator continued to allow me space to share my own journey with PND. When I spoke I saw hope fill other mummies eyes. Seeing other woman encouraged by the fact I was feeling so much better in my recovery brought me tremendous joy! I felt privileged to have the opportunity to hear other womens’ stories and to share my own. Giving two hours of time a week was a small price to pay in comparison to the reward, fulfillment and healing I received in volunteering with Mothers Helpers.”

 

Would You Like to Volunteer with Mothers Helpers?

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The post Volunteering Brings Fulfillment first appeared on Mothers Helpers.

 Leonard Ross is our ‘IT Guy’ and currently responsible for fixing up our website, making sure stuff works, but most importantly – he’s recently developed this amazing system where we keep all our client records, assessments and data confidentially and electronically.  It has made an enormous difference to our work.  Leonard has spent literally hours and hours of his time voluntarily to help Mothers Helpers.  Why does he do it? Leonard shares his story…

“After arriving in New Zealand one of the first things that amazed me of the kiwis was their generosity and how much they cared for one another. This was evidenced by the popularity of volunteering and how many people dedicate their time to helping others. Not only did that impress me immensely but it gave me something to aspire to. After many years I am in a place where I can share some of my experience and skills with others, and volunteering is such a wonderful means to do this and give back to a country and people I love.

“I have not volunteered for long at all but being non-native kiwi I found volunteering another exciting way of aiding with my integration into society and a great way to make friends and experience new things. I would have volunteered much sooner if I knew of these benefits in helping me settle into my new environment.

“Volunteering my services made me realise that the skills and expertise I have and take for granted (as I don’t use them anymore in my day job) still have a great deal of value to others. Offering these services takes little effort but can potentially make a huge difference in an organisation that can not afford to pay for these services from an external contractor or at market rates.

“The opportunity to volunteer my services is quite exciting as I am exposed to new business challenges, unknown technologies and unfamiliar situations which is always exciting for someone that loves learning and working on new problems. Not to mention the fact that this experience opened up a better understanding of a raft of social issues previously unknown to me.

“Volunteering has actually had a positive impact on my primary role too as it opens up other possibilities, perspectives and views.

“It is wonderful being surrounded by passionate people, all volunteering for their own reasons but taking pride in what they do and the difference they are making in the lives of people relying on the services offered by Mothers Helpers. I am absolutely in awe of the leadership – their passion and dedication – these qualities are contagious and a natural driver to wanting to help. Being part of a motivated team and organisation is very satisfying as the impact of my contribution is not only making a difference but I get acknowledgement and appreciation for my effort.

“The experience of being valued for my skills, my time and my views has had a truly positive impact on my being too and how I feel about myself. I will most definitely recommend volunteering to anyone.”

 
My favourite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time. – Steve Jobs

 

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The post ‘How Giving Back Benefits Me’ first appeared on Mothers Helpers.