Stephanie and Leah. Picture: Emma Fletcher Photography.
A 24-year-old mother has praised a service which has helped 71 women since 2010.
The St Albans Mother and Baby Service offers self-catering accommodation and practical and emotional support to new mothers, many of whom had a difficult start to parenting.
Stephanie, who was living with her parents when she became pregnant, lives at the service with her 10-month-old daughter and said: “When I first moved in, I didn’t speak to anyone. I was upset I was living here and felt like I didn’t need the support that was offered.
“That changed after I had my baby. I soon realised how good it was to have the support and made friends with the other residents.
“When you have a baby, sometimes you don’t know whether you’re coming or going but living here has been really grounding for me. It’s like a family here and I look forward to coming home. The staff are amazing, they help with anything and everything really.
Stephanie has returned to work for one day a week and is planning to increase her hours and leave the service.
Women usually stay there for between a year and 18 months before moving on.
A housing support worker at the service, Sandra Hanton, said: “I love my job as it is so varied and rewarding. It feels great when I see residents increasing in confidence and gaining the parenting and life skills needed to offer their child a happy upbringing.
The mother and baby service is run by St Albans council and Hightown Housing Association.
Hightown’s director of care and supported housing Dave Black said: “Our team at the Mother and Baby Service do a remarkable job providing mothers with important support, advice and care.