By Anglican Family Care | Posted: Tuesday April 30, 2024
A journey of hope, support and new beginnings
Together, we continue to make a difference in the lives of whānau and empower them to make change that inspires hope for a better future.
Amber’s world turned upside down when she discovered she was pregnant, despite being told by doctors that her chances of conceiving were slim. Complicating matters further, her relationship with the father of her unborn child had reached a breaking point, leaving her with a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability.
In her search for help, Amber’s midwife introduced her to Anglican Family Care and the Family Start programme in Dunedin. Nervous yet determined, she reached out for support, and the decision proved to be life-changing. Amber’s connection with her Whānau Worker Sarah was immediate, and she quickly realised she was in the hands of a caring and dedicated professional.
As Amber recalls, “Even though I’m really close to my mother and had her full support, I genuinely don’t think I would be here today without Sarah – she has been my greatest support during [pregnancy] and afterwards.”
Sarah’s unwavering commitment and genuine care provided Amber with the strength she needed to navigate the uncertainties of carrying her baby full-term and the challenges of becoming a single parent.
“Amber was so eager to learn everything she could about pregnancy and baby development and followed the giant pregnancy book week by week. She prepped, planned and made lists. She was so well organised and we had to have lots of conversations about slowing down and enjoying her pregnancy.” Whānau Worker Sarah explains. “One of the very first things Amber said and continued to say throughout our visits was “I want my baby to feel loved.” There is no doubt that she created a family life for her daughter where she has felt nothing but love and safety.”
Amber’s journey took an unexpected turn when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, resulting in a nationwide lockdown. This meant that Amber had to make a difficult decision between staying in hospital with her new-born daughter or returning home with her baby who was only three days old. Faced with isolation and the fear of the unknown, Sarah’s consistent support became Amber’s lifeline. Despite not being able to have health workers or visitors come into her home, the regular phone catch-ups with Sarah brought solace and reassurance during those difficult times.
Reflecting on the impact of Family Start and Sarah’s support, Amber emphasises, “The circumstances that I had, being in lockdown and feeling isolated – I felt scared. However, having the consistency of support over that time, and the reassurance that I could contact Sarah, played such a big role in everything that was going on for me, despite being in lockdown. ” The stability and care provided by Family Start gave her the courage and confidence to face her anxieties head-on.
Sarah recalls as Amber’s daughter was born at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a scary and uncertain time. Amber had to navigate being a first-time mum during a worldwide pandemic.
“We had lots of phone and video calls during this time, it was a challenging time. Services and support that would normally have been readily available in our homes had to be provided remotely.”
Amber’s story doesn’t end there. As she embarked on her journey as a new mum, she found herself at a crossroads regarding her career. Feeling stuck in a job that was becoming increasingly dangerous and violent, she confided in Sarah about her concerns. Together they explored alternative pathways and discussed her aspirations. Despite initial barriers, Sarah’s unwavering support and encouragement inspired Amber to take action.
Driven by her newfound determination, Amber pursued her dream of entering the field of paramedicine. Although epilepsy requires a seizure-free period which posed obstacles, Sarah suggested nursing as a stepping-stone towards Amber’s goal. Her consistent support and belief in Amber’s abilities gave her the push she needed to overcome any self-doubts and pursue her aspirations. Today, Amber proudly shares that she successfully completed a pre-entry Level 3 certificate with an A+ and is ready to take on Level 4, the next step of her nursing goals.
“I am so incredibly proud of Amber! She has a strength and resilience far above what she realises. Over the past three years, I have seen her reach highs, plummet to lows and then build herself back up again with a new sense of determination. Every goal she has set for herself has been achieved, and with a new level of confidence she has developed along the way. All of the tough times have been well worth it! It is such an honour to see her so settled and enjoying the life and home she has created for herself and her daughter.” – Whānau Worker Sarah reflects.
Amber’s inspiring journey exemplifies the profound impact that Family Start and the dedicated Whānau Workers have on individual lives. Through their support, people just like Amber find the strength to overcome life’s challenges, pursue their dreams, and create a brighter future for themselves and their whānau.