Welcome to our new website. This year, our charity turns 40. Since we first started as Home-Start Leighton-Linslade we’ve met countless families that inspire us. As parents, we invest so much hope in our children. We do our best to shield our children from the problems we face. We strive and sacrifice for our children to have a safe and happy childhood. It is admirable.
Yet, life is not fair. Sickness, disability, abuse, grief and poverty are indiscriminate. Many parents are struggling in the face of adversity to protect their children and provide the childhood they deserve. No adult or child should live in an abusive home. No child should live in poverty. No parent should worry about their child’s health alone.
Since 1984, our wonderful volunteers have been here offering support to these families. Standing alongside local parents, supporting them to give children the best start in life. During this time, we became Home-Start South Bedfordshire to reach more families in need of support. In 2010 we became Home-Start Central Bedfordshire, again expanding the area so more families can benefit. Since then, we have also offered services outside the region, e.g. Luton.
Now, in our 40th year, we believe it is time for us to become Home-Start Bedfordshire. The new name better represents the region both our supporters and service users call home. At present, our services remain the same, which means we offer:
- Our Home-Visiting Support service for families with young children in Central Bedfordshire.
- The Own My Life domestic abuse programme for women in Bedfordshire.
- Our SEND Parent Mentors and Empowering Parents courses for families in Central Bedfordshire.
- The Helping Hands programme for primary school children in Bedfordshire.
Early childhood has always been a priority for our charity. These years are crucial, and our charity will be refocusing our efforts to protect this time, to protect childhood. Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters for helping families in Bedfordshire give children the best start in life.