A celebratory tea party was held to mark the completion of a four-week training course for seven new Home-Start volunteers who are now ready to start work with their first families. “We’ve had a super intake of volunteers in 2025, bringing their number up to 64” said Service Manager Liz Stannard, “and we are already planning another course in the Spring, as we have families ready and waiting to welcome them into their homes.”
Home-Start volunteers are carefully matched with their family and will visit them every week over a six to twelve month period, providing non-judgemental support in their own home as parents try to cope with mental health issues, disability, multiple births, isolation, parenting skills, just some of the many problems that can afflict a family struggling with the demands of young children.
These new recruits were put through their paces, tackling issues like the importance of play, of listening and communicating and child development. Training included personal safety, Health & Safety, mental health and depression, the Safeguarding and Welfare of Children, Equality, Fairness and Diversity and working in partnership with other agencies such as the Health Visiting Service, Children’s Services and signposting to the other agencies and services available in Winchester.
To find out more about Home-Start or to put your name down for the next training course email info@home-startwinchester.org.uk or visit home-startwinchester.org.uk.
