Whether to aid parents of children with disabilities, to lend a hand with learning, or simply to offer a kind word of advice, Home-Start Malta has offered all forms of support to Maltese families. Jo Caruana meets a very special one to find out more.
Can you imagine having triplets? The never-ending bottle-feeds, the sleepless nights (times three), and the mountain of washing that would pile up day after day… Not to mention the nappies… There would be infinite joy, of course, but it would be very hard work.
It’s important to remember this isn’t a maid or nanny service of any kind, but a support service for those who really need it
I’m envisaging both ends of that spectrum – the blend of tough and wonderful times – as I meet Tanya*, a young mum of one-year-old triplets. As we chat and get to know each other, Tanya is busy juggling all three of her little ones – picking one up for a cuddle, handing a wayward toy to another, and keeping a watchful eye over all the proceedings to ensure there aren’t any bumps, bruises, or tears.
It’s hard going and Tanya just about manages to glug down a cup of tea as we chat, while still handling her duties.
Thankfully, help is at hand – in the form of Home-Start Malta volunteer Natasha*, who has been visiting Tanya once a week since the triplets were a few weeks old. Natasha is one of a number of volunteers working for Home-Start, a service offered by Aġenzija Appoġġ that has been running since 2006 and has helped around 100 families within that time.
“Home-Start Malta was set up to offer support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children,” explains Jacqueline Vella, the project co-ordinator. “For whatever reason, some parents need an extra helping hand – that might be because they lack some parenting skills because everything is so new to them, or because they have a child with special needs. Or, as in Tanya’s case, it may simply be to lighten the load a little. It’s important to remember this isn’t a maid or nanny service of any kind, but a support service for those who really need it.”
The programme actually originated in the UK in 1973 with the aim of offering practical and emotional support through trained volunteers. It is targeted at families with at least one child under the age of five and helps to give children the very best start in life.
All the volunteers – who have to have been parents or primary guardians themselves – go through continual training and supervision by the Home-Start organiser so as to best know how to handle the family situations they will be in.
“Home-Start was absolutely perfect for me,” explains Natasha, who also volunteers with another family, dedicating two days a week to the programme. “It came at the perfect time in my life and, within a month of hearing about the service, I joined the training programme for volunteers and hadgotten started.”
Regular training is vital, all the volunteers agree, to ensure they understand how to handle the various situations that come their way.
“It’s a fine line,” says Natasha. “You need to be involved enough to offer the help that’s needed, but at the same time, you have to know when to step back. Additionally, we learn about the importance of complete confidentiality. I never tell anyone anything about the families I volunteer for; it’s fundamental that they can trust me with the intricacies of their lives. It’s a pretty unique relationship and one I feel very lucky to have.”
Tanya, equally, feels very grateful for the help she has received through the programme. “Suddenly becoming a mum to triplets is pretty overwhelming, especially as I had had such a different life before they came along,” she smiles. “I don’t have much help, so I did worry about how I would cope. So when a family member suggested Home-Start I was keen to give it a go, even though I was too embarrassed to call myself; it felt like asking for help made me appear weaker.
“I was really pleased to be matched with Natasha and she made the whole process feel natural and easy. On our second meeting, she accompanied me on the triplets’ six-week hospital visit and her help made such a difference – I have absolutely no idea how I would have managed on my own!”
In the months that have followed, Natasha and Tanya have gotten into a routine that suits them both brilliantly, and offers Tanya the much needed chance to get some things done beyond the hands-on care she has to give her babies.
“On the day Natasha visits, I usually catch up with the laundry or other jobs that have to wait when I am taking care of the triplets. She is also a brilliant cook and makes lots of food I can freeze for the week. She has really been a huge support in all kinds of ways, and I am very grateful.”
Natasha, meanwhile, has enjoyed an equally positive experience. “I have really bonded with the triplets and love spending time with them. Of course, I am careful not to get too attached – as I know I won’t be needed forever – but I enjoy being in their lives. It is also nice to have developed a friendship with Tanya and to have helped her adjust to being a mum to triplets. She is doing such a fantastic job!”
Finally, Jacqueline adds that, although the fundamentals of the programme are sponsored by the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Vodafone Malta Foundation, all of the volunteers donate their time for free. “I think this really adds to it all,” she says.
Suddenly becoming a mum to triplets is pretty overwhelming, especially as I had such a different life before. I have absolutely no idea how I would have managed on my own!
“The families involved know their volunteers aren’t doing this for the money, but out of the desire to impart their knowledge and help out in any way they can. I believe this really strengthens the relationships.
“We are always very careful when matching volunteers to families and do our best to ensure a perfect fit. So far, the programme really has been successful and has made a difference to so many parents and children. We hope the future will bring just as much success.”
Home-Start is currently recruiting volunteers. The application process is open until February 28 and those interested can apply on 2167 8043 or 9901 8398 or via e-mail on home.start@maltanet.net.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.