Fahima found herself pregnant and homeless in lock-down became the catalyst for Fahima’s struggle with mental health.

“In 2020, I found out I was pregnant just as the COVID-19 lockdown began. At the time, I was living with my mom and siblings due to tensions at home. I ended up going through the homeless route and was placed in a hostel with my four-year-old.

I stayed in the hostel for about nine months. Despite being away from the tense home environment, I felt isolated. My mental health declined rapidly due to being sick with hyperemesis, homelessness, and loneliness. By the time I gave birth, I was in a very bad place, struggling to even perform basic tasks like showering or holding my baby. My mother, who works for the NHS, noticed my struggle and encouraged me to seek help. It took me a while to act on her advice, but I finally did because my oldest child started showing signs of anxiety, reflecting my own mental state. I went to my GP, who referred me to the perinatal service. They visited me at home and diagnosed me with postnatal depression and severe anxiety.

I started medication and underwent treatment, but even after a year, I didn't feel much better. The perinatal service, limited to a one-year period, felt uncomfortable leaving me without support but had no choice. They referred me to Home-Start, an organisation I had never heard of before. This referral turned out to be life-changing.

Nikki, the scheme manager from Home-Start Ealing, reached out and began visiting me. This marked the beginning of a new journey, offering community-based support similar to what I received from the perinatal team but in a different, more sustainable way. I was provided with a volunteer who shared a similar background to mine, which helped immensely. We discussed our childhoods and anxieties, and she helped me with practical tasks, like holding my baby who had various health issues.

Nikki arranged trips and activities, ensuring I had the support to attend them. This community-based support system included regular check-ins, which made a significant difference. I stayed with Home-Start for two years, and they continued to assist me even after my official discharge. They helped me with referrals for my youngest child, who had speech delays, and supported me in setting up my temporary accommodation with essential items.

The perinatal team did their best, but I wasn't ready to be on my own. The help from Home-Start, especially from Nikki, gave me the confidence and tools to manage my life. Simple gestures, like receiving fruit packages or planning trips, made a huge difference during such a challenging time.

I am now thirty-four years old, with two daughters who are eight and three. Despite the challenges, including accepting that my youngest might be on the autism spectrum, I feel supported and more capable of managing my mental health. The journey has been tough, but with the right support, I've come through it stronger.