How to get help from Home-Start
All parents struggle at one time or another. For some, the challenges can be greater. You are not alone.
Support from Home-Start
Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heartbreaking and overwhelming. That is why Home-Start is ready to support families through their toughest times.
There are many reasons why families need support and these can include:
- Poor mental or physical health
- Bereavement
- Multiple births
- Feeling isolated
Home-Start volunteers support families with individual one-to-one home-visiting and a wide range of targeted support for parents and their children.
We work with families in a range of ways, and use the approach they think will give them the best support. All our services are free and based around the principle that volunteers offer no judgement, just compassionate, confidential help and support.
In addition to home-visiting volunteers, we also have a Forces Support Worker dedicated to supporting Armed Forces families in the area.
To access Home-Start support, you must generally have at least one child under five, and there must be a volunteer available to support you.
How to get help
We have strong relationships with health visitors, social workers, mental health services and educational professionals who may refer families to us, but only with the family’s permission.
Professionals (e.g., health visitors etc.) can click on ‘Referral form for professionals’ button below and complete our online form to refer a family to us.
If you are a parent looking for support, we know it can be hard to reach out and asking for support is the bravest thing you can do. Click on the ‘Help for me’ button below to complete our online form and let us know as much about your situation as you feel able to. If you do decide to ask for support, one of our staff will get back to you to talk about your needs.
Please note that support is dependent on volunteer and organiser capacity. All of our support is confidential
Our support groups
We hold regular groups at local venues where you and your children can come along and meet other families. Your children get the chance to play, learn and have fun with other children and with different books and toys. You get the chance to meet and talk to other parents – and many parents discover they are going through the same kinds of experiences and feel less alone. Our groups are a great place for parents to pick up advice, tips and help from Home-Start and other parents.
First Babies Group
Tuesdays 10am-11:30am
Ladygrove Community Centre
All Saints Primary School
Tamar Way
Didcot
OX11 7LH
Our First Babies Group has been running for more than 25 years and is for new or expectant parents whose first baby is under the age of 15 months.
- Meet other new parents, make new friends and share experiences, if you wish, over coffee.
- A calm environment for your child, encouraging exploration through toys and socialising with other babies.
- Support and advice from friendly staff and volunteers.
There will be a hand sanitising station.
We ask for a £2 donation per family for each session to help towards the cost of running the session.
Home-Start Parenting Group
(formerly the Monday Group)
Wednesdays 10am-11:30am
197 Broadway
Didcot
OX11 8RU
We are on the first floor of the Didcot Library building (lift available).
Our Home-Start Parenting Group is for people who are ‘referred’ to us and who prefer a small group.
- Meet other new parents, make new friends and chat over a coffee.
- A calm environment with stimulating play experiences for your child/children. We have a ‘sitting down’ snack time with a variety of fresh fruit and water for the children.
- Home-Start staff are always on hand to provide a safe environment for your child and confidential support and advice for parents.
- We have a review with you after 12 weeks to assess your needs and ensure you’re getting appropriate support.
We do not charge a fee for this group. Our Home-Start Parenting Group is funded by BBC Children in Need.
Testimonials
Thank you so much for providing us with some sanity in the first few months!
Your efforts in running such a varied and enjoyable group are very much appreciated
Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement from everyone at Home-Start and for Carol who has been like my very own fairy godmother.
Without Gill’s help I would not have coped or been able to carry on. Gill brought my little girl back to the confident one she was.
Become a Home-Start Volunteer Today
Home-Start’s team of trained volunteers make sure a child’s early years count. By volunteering just a few hours each week you can transform the lives of young children and their parents in your community.