Belle’s Story
Belle is an inspirational local mother of five children who has overcome a toxic relationship, cancer, loss and hardship to become a strong centred mum who now looks forward to the future with hope and joy.
Belle’s Story
Belle is a local Cockburn mum of five children. When we met her in mid-2018 her children were aged from 15 months (twins) to just seven years. She was a single mum who had just fled from an abusive relationship and arrived in Perth with limited connections outside of her immediate family.
Belle was the first mum to receive support from our Community Mothers Program. (A volunteer-led support program where local mums receive training to provide in-home support to mums in the community). At the time we met Belle she was facing challenges from all directions – financial, housing, schooling and professional support for her older children. Belle was doing an amazing job, raising five healthy, happy children but it took an enormous toll on her own mental and physical health.
In 2019 she faced the devastation of losing both her dad and grandfather within 5 weeks and was then diagnosed with cancer herself.
“Losing all the male role models in both mine and my children’s life was extremely traumatic. Having Kirsti (the Community Mother matched to her family) to speak freely with and lean on whilst my family were managing their own grief gave me the inner strength to keep going.”
Belle’s strength through this time was exceptional working with Kristi she bravely discussed arrangements for her children’s care during her treatment but also made the heartbreaking plans needed should her treatment be unsuccessful.
Thankfully Belle’s treatment was successful and she is now in remission.
When we asked her what was it that made the difference, she said;
“I had lived in a narcissistic relationship for so long that I forgot who I was, I had no goals, no plans, hadn’t really considered what I like or what I want to do”.
“Meeting my community mother was life changing. She put ME first and saw ME as a whole person, not a mother, ex-partner, sister. She checked in on me regularly to see how I was and genuinely wanted to know. I have had people ask if I’m OK but usually they don’t actually listen when you tell them how you are feeling. Kirsti my community mum gave me a whole new perspective, focusing on me just me and in building my capacity, improving my well-being enabling me to be a better me and a better mum.”
“I look back know and see I am not the person I was 10 years ago, there has been a massive improvement in my mental health, I have more balance in my life, I have engaged in healing programs. Having Kirsti in my life gave me the encouragement to put myself first, look after me to be a better me and a better mum. I am no longer lost and can see a wonderful future for me and my children”.
“For anyone in a similar situation to me my advice would be to stay strong and positive. Seek help and support, if not through the Community Mothers Program through another program in the local community.”
Support numbers can be found here.
“For anyone in a similar situation to me my advice would be to stay strong and positive. Seek help and support, if not through the Community Mothers Program through another program in the local community.”