One YMCA family support workers look at every aspect of the family dynamic to help advise and support each member. In the case of Hayley and Jack, a number of small interventions made a big difference
Hayley and Jack have three children. After a domestic violence incident Hayley left the family home, taking her children with her. She then returned home once Jack decided to move out.
During this time Hayley found she struggled with maintaining boundaries for the children. Her two eldest refused to listen to her and began drawing on the walls.
Hayley had some concerns about her eldest child, who needed support at school with his reading and who she felt struggled to make meaningful friendships. She was also worried that her youngest child’s speech was delayed.
Without family in the country and with no real friends or other parents to turn to, Hayley felt increasingly isolated and was referred to One YMCA for support.
Jack has since returned to the family home and says that he has noticed that the children are more organised now and that they listen more.
How we helped
- Completed a Family Outcomes Star with Hayley to help her assess different areas of her life and make plans for change.
- Provided the Guidance and Boundaries package, containing advice on setting boundaries and guiding children’s development.
- Arranged for the youngest child to start Early Talk sessions.
- Supported Hayley in using public transport. Encouraged her to join stay and play sessions with her youngest child.
The difference it’s made
- Hayley put into practice what she learnt about setting boundaries and has continued to use a reward chart, as she found that worked well with the children.
- She has joined a parents’ network at school and is now communicating and socialising with other school mums.
- She now uses buses to get to groups.
- Her eldest child is improving academically
