Being a parent can be demanding, but some Army mothers are having to cope alone while worrying about partners in the Gulf. Steve Parsley visited a support network helping to share the burden in Catterick Garrison.

THE Almond Tree Project is not new; it has been part of life on the Army's largest garrison for some time.

The nature of life in the services means mothers come and go as postings bring them and their partners to the North Yorkshire base, and they then move on.

But especially now, the sense of togetherness and community the project provides is vital to those who, at one moment, are looking after their children and, the next, are worrying for their husbands after seeing images of war on television.

For Army wives, the comfort of their family may be many miles away and a telephone conversation is not the same as a comforting hug or a long chat over a cup of tea.

So, instead, they turn to the Almond Tree - and try to help each other.

The project supports families with drop-in sessions three mornings a week, as well as holding parenting workshops and drop-in sessions.

Mother-of-three Sarah Pugh is fortunate in that her husband is not in the Gulf - although she has not seen him since October, when he was sent to Kosovo.

She said: "I have been coming here for three years, and done some courses, which means I can help out with some aspects of the running of the centre.

"It is very hard to explain to someone without a services background just how hard it can be, so it is great to have others who understand and who are willing to help out.

"It means, occasionally, one of the girls will look after my children so I can go out and remind myself I am human, and I can do the same for her."

Michelle Shaw agreed she finds contact with other mothers essential.

She said: "I do not know what I would do without the project; it is not something I have come across at any other garrison."

The network was established with the help of the Army Welfare Service, working with the local council, health service, education department and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The network has also been supporting an NSPCC campaign which is urging any parent under pressure to turn to others for help.

Yesterday, the charity organised a children's party at the garrison's Dalesman Family Community Centre.

The charity's northern divisional director, Gordon Ratcliffe, said: "A garrison town like Catterick is not going to need our help and advice any more than anywhere else.

"Every community will have its own idiosyncrasies, but perhaps it is more important that we offer our support now when the international situation is as it is.

"We hope we can offer information and advice, so parents can be reassured that, although their child may appear naughty, their behaviour may be perfectly normal and help is available."

31/03/2003