Getting Support
Home-Start families may be struggling with many issues. These can include: low income, low self-esteem, relationship breakdown, unsuitable housing, family illness or they may need support with parenting skills. Many of our parents find the responsibilities of being a parent extremely hard. Others may struggle with poor mental health or post natal depression and find it difficult to leave the house. Some of our parents are caring for a partner or child with a serious mental or physical illness.
When we start to support a family, their individual needs are discussed with them and assessed carefully. A suitable volunteer is matched with them, taking into account life experiences, skills and personality. It is important that the parent and the Home-Start volunteer build a relationship and that they enjoy their time together.
Our volunteers are empathetic and non-judgmental. We do not set time limits, however, most support lasts from six months to a year.
We aim to:
- empower parents to grow in confidence
- begin to overcome some of their difficulties
- feel happier in themselves and their parenting role
Home-Start volunteers are well placed to gently support those in need. They will always ‘go the extra mile’ for their families with infinite patience and goodwill. They may take the children out to the park together, go to the Citizens Advice Bureau for financial advice, visit the Housing office together, attend hospital appointments, go out in the car to explore new places or simply listen to a mum who needs to unburden over a cup of tea. They aim to work alongside parents, working with them, not for them. Many volunteers experienced times when they felt equally alone and hopeless as a young parent, so they understand perfectly the parents they support.
Select the images below to read our stories
A young family with two boys aged 4 and 2 years
A young mum suffering from mental health issues and OCD
A young mum who was finding the behaviour of her child challenging
Our Case Studies
A young family with two boys aged 4 and 2 years
A young family with two boys aged 4 and 2 years The elder suffers from a rare illness affecting three children in a million. The symptoms are similar to autism but also include hyper-activity, low concentration, delayed speech and slow growth and development. He has to be supervised at all times.
We supplied the family with a volunteer who had a great deal of experience with children with severe disabilities. She assisted mum in getting out with the children, in filling out complicated forms etc. whilst always aware of keeping up the parents’ spirits. They felt that because the volunteer had been through a similar experience she really understood their situation and was never shocked.
A year later the elder child has begun at a special school, a social worker is soon to be appointed who will ensure that the parents will receive respite on a regular basis and the correct disability benefits are being arranged.
A young mum suffering from mental health issues and OCD
Eventually they travelled on a bus. The volunteer and mum would plan each short outing, never attempting too much and talking through the anxieties as they occurred. This mum now has a strategy to help her avoid panic attacks and is slowly beginning to enjoy life one step at a time.
A young mum who was finding the behaviour of her child challenging
A young mum (one toddler) with poor English language skills is working evenings, whilst dad works full time. They see each other infrequently as when he returns from work he takes over childcare and when she comes home at midnight he is already asleep.
The relationship was suffering as a result. Mum had bonding issues with the child, who was extremely active and cried a great deal. She found it hard to play with him and could not control him outside as he gets out of the buggy and runs away. She needed a mother figure to help her with positive affirmation, parenting skills, routine (to encourage the child to have a nap in the day etc) and also to sort out a benefit problem.
With poor language this mum didn’t understand the paperwork and became very stressed and emotional. The volunteer went with her to the Job Centre Benefits Office and the CAB to help sort the problem. She helped mum with behaviour strategies, day to day routines and explored the possibility of her doing a parenting course.
Three months later the mum is following a parenting course, the little boy is attending a group for 2-3 year olds (without his mother) which gives her some respite and enables him to learn socialization skills with his peers. The volunteer continues to support with other issues.
Contact Us
- Office: Lanterns, Bereweeke Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6AJ
- Office: 01962 851177
- Liz Stannard: 07796 676563
- Jane Read: 07584 564656
- Sue Barham: 07776 041574
- Email: info@home-startwinchester.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
We will make arrangements for our Coordinator to visit you to talk about what help you need and to see how Home-Start could help you.
We try very hard to have the ‘right’ volunteer for you. They are all friendly and caring people, selected for their warmth and understanding. We take up references and all our volunteers, trustees and staff are DBS checked. All volunteers attend a twenty five hour induction course – all to prepare them for meeting and helping you.
The volunteer will visit each week for two hours and offer befriending, support and practical help. They will do whatever you find most helpful. e.g. help with appointments, shopping, trips to the park, parent and toddler group – or simply stay at home and spend time with you and the children – like a good friend would.
If you are ever unhappy with anything just call the Coordinator who will listen to your concerns and try to resolve the situation.
We will discuss the situation fully with you and your referrer but you can change your mind at any time.
There is no set time limit. The Coordinator will review the situation on a regular basis and when the time is right work towards an agreed ending with you.
