Shane

Shane's self-confidence growing by the day

by her Aboriginal Family Partnership Worker (AFPW)

Warning - The following story discusses mental health, which may be triggering for some readers.

*Shane joined the Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) in December of 2018, attending her first home visit in January 2019. 

When Shane first started with ANFPP, she was very shy, lacked confidence and had high levels of anxiety. Shane says at times her depression would “creep back in”. At first, she said no to the program; she didn’t think she’d need it. But now Shane values the work we have done.

Recently, she courageously recorded her thoughts on the program for promotional use. We look forward to seeing what she has to say and how confident she appears as she stood in front of a camera.

Over the last two-plus years, I have watched Shane grow as a person and as a mum. The confidence she now has with herself and being Archie’s Mum is amazing to watch. Shane now believes she can do this and anything else.

It has taken two years, but she is now attending playgroups all by herself with Archie. She has now attended three playgroups. Her Nurse Home Visitor and I could not be any prouder of her.

Shane is now pregnant with her second child - a daughter - with around ten weeks to go. Shane has expressed how prepared she is. She states this is thanks to ANFPP and what we have accomplished with her over the years with herself and Archie.

Shane has had three Nurse Home Visitors and has met four, however, I have been the continuous AFPW for Shane, which I think has helped her with so much change.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

If anything you have read in this story has caused you distress and you need someone to talk to, please call one of these helplines:
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Beyond Blue - 1300 23 4636
Parentline - 1300 30 1300