Battling with mental health as a single mum, a Beneficiary

Jocelyn is a single mum with six children who suffers from mental health issues and has poor general health. As the sole parent, she found herself unable to work and support her children. After being hospitalised due to ill health she was struggling to afford food for her family. The devastating impact of feeling isolated led to Jocelyn's referral to St Vincent’s Sheffield by Sheffield City Council’s, Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Team.

“A delivery from you will take immense pressure from Jocelyn and allow her to focus her finances on food and other essentials. She is suffering lots of stress and worry at the moment and this will definitely lighten the load.” – Referrer at CYPF

Jocelyn needed the help of St Vincent’s Sheffield to get some new beds for her children. Some of which were sharing beds and some sleeping on broken beds. The store was able to provide two new bunk beds and 4 new mattresses for the children which meant they all had their own beds again. 

“The furniture being delivered has made a massive difference to her mental state, and her wellbeing. She is no longer worrying about the state of the children's room and feels comfortable knowing they each have their own bed now. The children are all in love with their new bed and are happy to have a space of their own.” – Feedback from Referrer at CYPF after delivery

The SVP also offered to provide Jocelyn with beneficiary support: regular visits or calls by local SVP members that can reduce the feeling of loneliness through human connection. Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. We can all play a part in reducing the impact of loneliness in our communities. St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) marks Mental Health Awareness week Monday 9th to Sunday 15th May by keeping the people we meet, we pass on the streets and people like Jocelyn at the forefront of our minds.