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Essex Community Scheme helps new mothers overcome feelings of isolation (10 November 2016)

Date: 10/11/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Essex Community Scheme helps new mothers overcome feelings of isolation

A woman who suffered with depression after the birth of her 11-year-old daughter is using her own experiences to help others, as part of a countywide initiative to tackle social isolation.

Jacqui Skinner from Basildon in Essex eventually overcame the depression through the Community Builder initiative – and is now is using her experiences to help others in her role as a community organiser.

The scheme comes as a result of collaboration between partners on the Essex Partnership Board, including Essex County Council, Basildon Council and Healthy Living Solutions.

It was launched in September 2013 and aims to tackle issues such as social isolation, offering guidance to existing local clubs, supporting the establishment of new community groups and helping voluntary organisations access greater opportunities.

New mothers are one of the groups in Essex that have been identified as at risk of social isolation.

Jacqui Skinner said:

“I think that by helping others it makes me feel like I belong, and I have my place to sit in the community. I hear all of these different stories – and we all have our own story, journey and struggles.

“Doing this job I really fought my demons. I had to push on, no backing out –
this was my job and I accepted the challenge.

“I help mums with an action plan of how and where they will go from their current situation.”

Director at Healthy Living Solutions, Sue Bayles, said:

“There’s a real community spirit in Essex, but sometimes people do not know how to go about investing in it.

“It’s about helping them find something that triggers their imagination and that they feel personally connected to – then once they are involved, they are flying.”

Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Communities, Councillor Anne Brown said:

“Empowering and strengthening Essex communities remains a key priority for us and our partners.

“People like Jacqui have a lot to offer and we are keen to ensure our residents can benefit from their experience and expertise.

“Schemes like this that develop and improve connections within communities, are an excellent way of helping us identify and solve local problems.

“Encouraging people to play a greater role in the places they live is vital in creating strong and resilient communities.”

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