We are very proud of our latest impact reports, which show evidence of transformed lives, brighter futures, good partnership working and the benefits of volunteering.
Don’t just take our word for it… here is what other people have said about us!
Real Life Stories: Tuesday
Real Life Stories: Kelly
Real Life Stories: Rukia
“The Princess Project is a wonderful organisation that really does make a difference to young mothers. As a mother, I know how important it is to be able to meet supportive people who can completely relate to your situation, and offer help and advice.
Whether it is simply meeting up for a chat, discussing and sharing real worries and anxieties, or learning new skills, The Princess Project is a rock of support for mothers throughout Maidstone.”
Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and The Weald
“Parents give wonderful feedback, particularly mothers who are socially isolated… Princess Project provides social networking, support and necessary equipment.”
Health Visitor, Maidstone
“Great communication and genuine compassion from all staff. Lovely feedback from clients who have benefitted from your support. A big thank you for your wonderful support to our vulnerable mums and babies!”
Parent-infant Psychotherapist, Maidstone/Tonbridge and Malling.
“It has provided us with a warm and friendly place to meet new friends, chat and play together where we feel safe and valued.”
“Gave us somewhere to go when we haven’t got anything to do and go. Got us out the house instead of staying in the same four walls.”
“Given us a sense of belonging.”
“It gives me a welcoming and safe place to go weekly.”
“The Princess Project has helped me and my children greatly by helping us to be less isolated and giving us the best advice.”
“It has helped me meet other mums and be more confident.”
Hub Visitors
Sam’s Story
Sam* was referred to Mum2Mum by her Early Help Worker. She had been on a long and often difficult journey, and in April 2016 ‘graduated’ from Mum2Mum having met with her befriender regularly for the maximum 2 years- the first mum to do so. We celebrated this achievement with a special tea-party, presented her with a certificate, and everyone (including Sam’s 3 lovely children) had the chance to say how proud they were of her, and why. After the event, she sent us these lovely words- we have her permission to share them here.
“I wanna say a massive thank you to everyone at the Princess Project for all the love help and support they have given me over the last 2 years, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you, my story is like most people’s I’m a single mum of 3 amazing children who had been through hell and back over the last few years before meeting PP, I had split with the children’s dad due to domestic violence and I’d never really dealt with it as I had my children to worry about, the older they got the harder it became, I was then introduced to the Princess Project at the worst time in my life I was having a nervous breakdown and my children had to go and stay with my mum, at first I was unsure about letting these strangers into my life when I was already so low and broken, would they judge me and think I’m a failure?? It took a while for me to let them in but I’m so glad I did, I have never once been judged or criticised by them, they have shown me a new type of love and support that you can’t always get from family or friends, they showed me that I wasn’t a bad mum or a failure but that all I needed was to believe in myself and after 9 weeks with the PP’s help my children finally came home but their support didn’t stop there, they have helped me grow from strength to strength and 2 years later I’m stronger than ever, I’m now a better person mother daughter granddaughter and friend and it’s all thanks to the Princess Project who have never given up on me and helped guide me, and although I have now completed the Mum2Mum I have made some amazing friends for life that will always be around to help me, and I’m proud to say that I’m a part of the Princess Project and they have played a massive part in my life and journey to the woman I am today, so please if anyone thinks they won’t help believe me they will, they are an amazing family and charity who help you to grow and thank you all again. Xx”
*name has been changed
“It has meant a lot to me being part of the Princess Project. It’s been great knowing there’s someone to talk to in times where I’ve felt most alone- the advice and support has been amazing, the project has truly helped me and it will always be appreciated.”
“It’s good to have someone older to ask advice and get support from. It has given me more confidence especially with cooking for my daughter and the food I give her. It is good that my befriender was flexible to meet me at my house- because of my mental health needs I found it difficult at the time to leave the house. Hopefully the project will get bigger so that more women will have this help.
“[My befriender] has been very supportive and has given me the confidence I needed to make some lifechanging decisions. I and my family have got a whole new life, and we are much happier.”
“Me and my befriender are getting on really well. I can talk to her about anything and it’s really good to have [her] to talk to. I like the places we meet as the children can play while we chat.”
“[My befriender] is able to give me advice and gets me out. Also it’s good to have someone different to talk to.”
Mum2Mum participants
“Because of Totcycle I worry less about baby things that I would have been struggled to get.”
“They have helped me and my little boy so much since becoming a single mum at 19”
“The Princess Project has helped me and my family in terms of reducing baby expenses e.g. baby milk, diapers and clothes. It’s has helped us in other ways not to spend so much on baby items. It also helped me to meet new people, and reduced any form of depression and loneliness. I feel happy anytime I attend the Princess Project.”
“The Princess Project have given me hope, comfort and strength when I thought I had none. The practical support meant my son rarely had to go without essential items such as buggys, nappies etc…”
Totcycle Users
MUMS' HUBS
See what’s happening at each of our hubs: Gillingham, Sheerness, Maidstone Park Wood, Tonbridge and Maidstone Town Centre.
MUM2MUM
Friendship and support for mums aged 16-30 who are parenting in challenging circumstances