Sharing my story gives people hope

Caroline Mugambi was helped by the services of Home-Start and now gives back by volunteering. Bill Gibb learns her story.

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IT was the moment Caroline Mugambi reached her lowest ebb. Sitting at a community centre, she broke down in tears as she struggled to look after her two young children.

But salvation came for Caroline through charity Home-Start in Suffolk and now she is repaying that critical aid by helping others.

She has become a trustee of the family support charity, aiming to steer other mums clear of the sort of troubles she faced.

Caroline had recently moved home with fouryear-old son Sean and weeks-old baby Ryan when it all became too much.

"I didn't know anyone when I moved to the area and I was on my own," Caroline explains.

"My oldest, who is now ten, has special needs, and I had no friends to turn to for help.

"I didn't have a diagnosis of postpartum depression, but I had all the symptoms.

"My black African cultural background is that you don't speak out and ask help for help. As a mum I was trying to be strong and get on with things.

"I'd gone along for a speech therapy session one day. I felt so lost and alone that I broke down in tears.