Free and confidential support for families with young children.
Being a parent is not always easy. Often, we’re doing fine until life takes a turn and becomes overwhelming. Local families like yours come to us for support for many reasons, including:
- Disabilities and additional needs
- Isolation
- Sickness and ill health
- Bereavement
- Mental ill health
- And more.
Home Visiting Service
Parents want the best for their children. We know parenting young children can be demanding, especially when life becomes challenging. Our home-visiting volunteers are here to offer you practical and emotional support during difficult times.
Our volunteers are non-judgemental, parents like you, and friendly and approachable.
Your coordinator will introduce you, and your volunteer will usually visit your home once a week to offer support through your challenging time. Your coordinator will review how your support is going throughout your time with us. The support will depend on your needs; for example, you might benefit from:
- Emotional support and reassurance. Having someone trustworthy to listen to the problems and challenges you are going through.
- Empathy. Volunteers have a wealth of parenting experience. We understand that family life can be overwhelming, exhausting and sometimes heartbreaking.
- Practical help. For example, playing with the children, reading, helping to get you and your children to a park, playgroup or making an appointment.
- Information on local services, facilities, resources and parenting.
Home-Start Volunteers are carefully selected, have references and DBS checks, and undergo training. All our home-visiting volunteers have parenting experience.
Remember, you choose whether or not to accept Home-Start support and can change your mind anytime.
“Home-Start is one of the most amazing resources I’ve used during my journey as a parent. Jane (my assigned volunteer) was incredible from the day she stepped foot into my house. She was also so supportive & a fantastic listener. She always thought of ways to help me, things we could do like going to the park etc…”
