A HELPING HAND

Brianna helps new mums find their confidence

- SAMANTHA IRELAND

Brianna Holmes, 20, Weston Creek, ACT

Hearing my phone ring, I saw my sister-in-law Ariah's name flash up.

Ariah, my husband Jarrad's sister, was a volunteer co-ordinator at the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre in Weston, ACT, where I lived.

'We're short a volunteer for our childcare section one day next week. Can you help out?' she asked when I answered.

I was 18, already had my working-with-children clearance from other volunteering I'd done, and the shift fitted in with my schedule at uni where I was studying psychology.

Why not? I thought.

The centre offers mental health support and services for women and families after having a baby.