Time to Shine

I've been looking forward to writing this blog post. One of the most positive things that has happened to me has been becoming a Shine mummy. I'll explain...

Back in January, I was desperately Googling PND recovery stories and feeling as though I wouldn't ever get better. I stumbled across a story written by Lauraine on a website called Shine (link to her story and website is at the bottom of this post. You should read her story - it explains everything I've gone through far more articulately than my ramblings!) Every word she wrote resonated with me - even the fact that she had six blissful weeks with her newborn before the darkness stole in. 

The website turned out to be a charity supporting mothers suffering from PND and offered them the chance to attend crafting sessions - a weekly session to explore a new craft in a safe space and in a mindful way. Mothers are referred to Shine through their midwife/Health Visitor/GP etc. I knew I wouldn't be able to attend sessions because of lockdown, but I noticed they had a Facebook group, so I asked to join it.

Lauraine immediately sent me a message to check in, ask whether I was alright, and invite me to join a Zoom call with other mums who had PND. She promised me I wasn't alone and told me that although they weren't offering face to face sessions, I could join their virtual crafting workshops. 

Due to some slightly crossed wires (OK, actually it was my shocking lack of geographical knowledge) the actual Shine classes are about an hour away from me - a journey I will happily make one day to go and meet Lauraine and give her a massive hug for helping to save me - so in a way, I'm lucky that we were in a pandemic and that classes were taking place remotely.

I joined that Zoom morning with trepidation, but I am so glad I did. The other mums were lovely and Lauraine is so calm and reassuring. It was all so positive and encouraging.

I started taking part in their weekly craft sessions and they became a glimmer of light in my dark winter weeks. A pack is sent to me each week with the relevant materials from a local artist- it's been so fun to receive this each week. There is no pressure to take part, or have the camera/sound on and very often I will watch along and then attempt the craft the next day when I'm more awake. The workshops also provided a space for me to talk to other women suffering with PND and they have answered questions about the medication I'm on and what to expect which gave me comfort and hope. Lauraine also answered my questions about her illness with both honesty and reassurance and I'm so grateful for the openess and support from the Shine group.

I've really surprised myself too. I absolutely love crafting - who knew? Weaving has been a particular favourite of mine and also painting. I can't believe I love painting with watercolours - I hadn't ever tried it before because I didn't think I'd be any good at it. And I'm not, but it doesn't matter! It's so relaxing and mindful and allows you to switch off and just create, play around with colours. 

One day, I'd love to start a Shine in Herefordshire. To reach back and help others struggling, like Shine has done for me. One day.

If you are reading this, it would mean a lot to me if you could spare a little bit of money to go to Shine. They haven't ever asked me for anything and it would mean a lot to me to able to give back to a charity that has given me so much. Link to donate at the bottom of this post - no pressure though, just if any of this resonates with you and you'd like to offer something to help someone somewhere, then this could be your something.


Shine website: https://www.shine-support.org/our-stories

Shine Justgiving link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shinemummies?fbclid=IwAR1-DOrKYljqmGunsgNi1HU7wcGeTJV1JfkwWfpf3XTeyGw_CCdhOVkTta8

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