A young mum has spoken movingly about how a mother and toddler group that’s facing closure helped her survive overwhelming times with her new-born son.
Sarah Jones-Wallace, from Denbigh, shared that Rhyl-based Blossom and Bloom helped her out of a dark place and how her employer, Lock Stock Self-Storage, has donated seven dozen Easter eggs for the charity’s sponsored walk – their final celebration before closing.
Grant funding to support for the charity was turned down this year meaning the organisation which helped almost 500 young mums from as far afield as Llandudno will close its doors.
The charity was set up by Vicky Welsman-Millard in 2020 and she said: “There was a real need for it. A lot of mums were isolated and struggling over Covid and as someone who was a young mum herself once I know the struggles that new parents face.
“It started as a Bed and Breakfast where we had three homeless young mums and it went from that to a place with outreach support and a well-being and development hub but I don’t know where it goes now without this funding.
“We are though holding an Easter event which will include a sponsored walk and we do cater for about 30 mums a day here.
“Last year we had 470 registered with us and they’re coming in for lunch, to have a chat and to get them out of the house because that just makes your day better.”
Sarah, who is now a trustee of Blossom and Bloom, believes it could have literally been a lifesaver for her and she said: “When I was off on maternity with my little boy, Macsen, I came to Rhyl one day and literally stumbled on this charity.
“I had been massively hit by post-natal depression and if I hadn’t come across this charity and been able to spend time here with my child and with other young mums I don’t know what would have happened to me.
“The sad thing is that when another young mum comes along and is going through a difficult time like I was then this place may not be here to help them.
“It provides so much support and has helped people through homelessness and depression.
“I’ve done paediatric first aid here which is something that should be part of ante-natal classes because it’s really vital.
“It’s really sad that it has to close unless they can secure more funding because it will be a huge loss to the community not just in Rhyl but in the surrounding areas.
“I’m just delighted that Lock Stock Self Storage have been so supportive – they firmly believe in helping the communities where they operate and they have 30 storage parks across North Wales and the border counties.”
