There has been a lot of discussion about a decline in mental health. The bushfires and COVID 19 show the importance of family and community connectedness as a buffer against depression and despair.
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Humans are hard wired to connect from birth. Unlike other animals our newborns can't walk, feed themselves, hold their head up or focus their eyes. The time it takes to reach maturity is the longest of any mammal and we have evolved a crucial survival strategy: the care of extended family and friends.
The quality of care provided by this network of relationships throughout life is what shapes mental health outcomes.
Recently Home-Start Family Services celebrated the retirement of two long-serving volunteers.
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Sue Robinson and Brenda Writer have offered companionship to isolated mothers with young children in the region for many years and this "getting alongside" is what makes Home-Start special.
In addition to professional family work, volunteers act as "extra grandmothers" to families, helping them to move from overwhelm to enjoyment of family and community life.
Sue and Brenda's commitment to the social fabric continues.
Sue regularly visits one daughter in Gunnedah and the other in Sydney to be that extra pair of hands and loving presence for the next generation.
"My own experience and work with Home-Start has convinced me that family and community connection for young families is critical to happiness," said Sue.
"I am still friends with some Home-Start mums which I love."
Brenda, after 17 years of service, continues to pick her grandchildren up from school and stay connected to friends and family.
"It gives me a purpose," said Brenda.
"As a Home-Start volunteer, I've seen families through the tough times by being reliable and understanding. I can also fold socks and chat at the same time!"
Our society is under strain due in part to increasing fragmentation of relationships.
Zoom connections, social media and emojis do not replace belonging to a family, a supportive workplace, the loving arms of a grandmother or a close friend who is happy just to be there.
We all need to be part of cycles of care that are mutual and intergenerational.
Home-Start Family Services offers deepest thanks to our volunteers, past and present. Your contribution to the happiness and resilience of so many families is priceless.
