Wymondham mum praises centre that brought her closer to her one-year-old son

Wymondham woman Camilla Leveridge, 29, with her husband Leroy, 24, and her son Sonny, aged one, (Image: Archant)

Camilla Leveridge, 29, shared her story as national charity Action for Children revealed data that showed one in five parents in the east of England felt lonely and isolated.

Research, based on interviews of more than 2,000 UK parents conducted by pollsters Survation, indicated that this 21pc regularly felt cut off from friends and other sources of support.

The research unearthed a shocking scale of loneliness in the region, with another one in five (19pc) saying this became worse since becoming a parent.

Mrs Leveridge, of Wymondham, was helped by Action for Children's Wymondham Children's Centre, in Sheffield Road, and said this was invaluable.

She was initially full of hope and looking forward to having a child with her husband, Leroy, 24.

However she had to spend an extended time in hospital after the difficult birth of her son, Sonny – now aged one – and during this time she started developing severe post-natal depression.

'I really just didn't want anyone around, became detached from my son, Sonny, and felt very alone,' she said. 'I started experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks and really didn't know what to do.

'It was then that my health visitor put me in touch with Jo from Action for Children's Wymondham Children's Centre.

'Jo was so patient, and slowly over the following months, helped me build up a bond with Sonny and managed to convince me to take him to a baby massage course.

'Bit by bit I started to feel better and it was just amazing to have someone to call every time I had an issue or started feeling low again.

'The team at Action for Children in Wymondham are fantastic and don't get the credit they deserve.'

Yolanda Hampshire, operational director at Action for Children in Norfolk, said 'It's troubling to see that so many parents in our region feel isolated.

'Having a network that you can call on is vital, to help celebrate your child's achievements and share those funny moments or the tougher times, which all parents face. Becoming a parent doesn't come with a handbook; you're always learning and as your children grow, their needs – and the skills you need to call on as a parent – change.

'Our children's centre services across Norfolk can offer a real lifeline to parents who feel isolated – somewhere to meet and make friends.

'Staff there won't judge if you drop in looking for support, and you can take part in activities like play sessions or parenting classes.'

The survey found that more than a third of parents aged 18 to 34 regularly felt cut off compared to less than a tenth of those aged over 55.

A third of parents with three or more children regularly felt cut off, compared to the 26pc who have two and the 22pc who only have one.

Action for Children runs 24 children's centres across Norfolk which offer many activities, courses and workshops.

Visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk to find out more.