We believe in being there for parents when they need us most. Supporting them to make stronger families and create the best outcomes for their children
We offer a range of parent support services, including relationship support programmes and peri-natal mental health groups, but our primary service is our peer mentoring, befriending volunteers.
A volunteer with parenting experience offers support to parents either in the home or via text, phone or video chat. The volunteer offers tailor-made one-to-one support, regularly – usually on a weekly basis.
Support can be:
Emotional support to help parents find ways to manage and resolve problems.
Direct support for children including playing, listening, having fun, establishing routines, encouraging development.
Practical help with getting out, budgeting, nutrition and meal planning, cooking and making the home safe.
Information and links to other organisations including health and educational services.
The support is led by the parent with the volunteer alongside them.
Home-Start schemes are rooted in the community they serve. We are managed locally but are supported by a national organisation, Home-Start UK, which offers direction, training, information and guidance to schemes and ensures consistent and quality support for parents and children.
Home-Start has a proven, lasting, positive impact on the development of children and the health and welfare of the family.
Home-Start offers a unique service. We recruit and train volunteers, who are usually parents themselves, to be there for families and offer them informal, friendly and confidential support. The families we help have at least one child under 18.
Our mission is to be there for parents when they need us most.
To help parents give their children the best possible start in life, Home-Start supports parents as they grow in confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen their links with the local community.
Supporting parents to create stronger families.
