Being a parent is not always easy...

Sometimes... just having a friend to talk to can make all the difference

Who can Home-Start help?

If you are a mum, dad or carer with a child under five, and are finding things tough at the moment, you can ask for free help.

Our volunteers help parents going through difficult times such as...

• Loneliness and Isolation
• Relationship Difficulties
• Coping with Twins, Triplets or Several Pre-School Children
• Ill Health, Disability or Special Needs
• Lone Parenting
• First-time Parenthood or New Babies
• Postnatal Illness
• Children's Behavioural Problems

Home-Start support is confidential. Personal information about you and your family is not disclosed to anyone outside of Home-Start without your consent, except where there is a concern about the safety or welfare of a child. You choose whether or not to accept Home-Start support and can change your mind at any time. A volunteer will only visit at your invitation.

What do the volunteers do?

A Home-Start volunteer will visit you regularly, normally once a week, and offer...

• Understanding that when bringing up children, problems are not unusual
• Reassurance that you are not alone
• A listening ear and a shoulder to cry on
• An extra pair of hands to help you cope with everyday situations
• Practical help with activies like playing or story time.
• Friendly Support through difficult times for as long as you need support

Who are the volunteers?

Home-Start volunteers are people from different backgrounds and vary in age, but all have some parenting experience. They will visit you in your home and accept you as you are. They are carefully selected for their friendliness, practical approach and understanding and will have been approved and have all attended a course of preparation before being matched to a family.

If you would like more information about receiving support from a Home-Start Volunteeer please contact us.