A MUM of one was pushed to the brink as she battled with post-natal depression following the birth of her only daughter.

But Annelise Astley, from Grappenhall, is a walking example of how you can turn your life around with a helping hand from the Warrington Guardian’s charity of the year, Home-Start Warrington.

She said: “I know it’s dramatic to say this but I’m not sure I would have survived if it wasn’t for Home-Start as I actually felt that low.”

Annelise, who is a proud mum to 10-year-old Alethea, has had more than her fair share of challenges to deal with but has never given up.

She said: “It all started when I was living at the YMCA in Birchwood and I became pregnant. At that time I was having a bad bout of depression and I was having counselling for it. That’s when I was told about Home-Start.”

But things took a turn for the worse as she struggled to cope with post-natal depression after she gave birth to her first child 10 years ago.

Annelise’s daughter was also diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome when she was aged one - a condition that affects brain development.

“The post-natal depression was unlike anything I had ever felt before. I did not want to go out and I was just constantly helping Alethea and I did not care about myself,” she said.

But after signing up to Home-Start, Annelise had access to the vital support she desperately needed, someone to talk too and an extra pair of hands around the house.

“Sue Holland helped me out for two years and she was great. She gave me my confidence back. She’s like family to me,” said Annelise.

Even though the mum of one no longer requires the services of Home-Start Warrington after turning her life around, she still regularly meets up with Sue, who she cannot thank enough for what she has done for her family.

To find out more information visit homestart-warrington.org.uk or call 652320.