Family pressures can sometimes be difficult to manage without emotional and practical support around you.

Home-Start volunteers understand how hard it can be to be a parent. They work alongside parents (usually with at least one child under the age of five) in their own homes, helping them to cope with the stresses and strains of life. They make sure parents have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children.

Our specially trained 10,000 volunteers offer compassionate, non-judgmental and confidential support. Their approach is as individual as the people they are helping. 

By contacting your local Home-Start, they can assess your situation and match you with a suitable volunteer if appropriate.

No parent should feel alone in raising children. Watch what Home-Start does:

Home-Start volunteers usually see you once a week. You decide together what to do during that time.

Areas of practical and emotional support include post-natal depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, bereavement, financial worries, relationship difficulties, managing children with additional needs or disabilities or an extra pair of hands where you have had twins or multiples.

Home-Start support is free, you do not have to pay for any of it, and all support is voluntary.

Read some of our family and volunteer stories:

• Rebbekah's Story: I didn't think I was a good mum
  
  
• Ben's Story: I honestly think every family should be offered a Home-Start volunteer
  
  
• Cycle of Support: how parents who received support become volunteers themselves
  
  
• A week in the life of Susan, a Home-Start volunteer

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Interested in becoming a Home-Start volunteer? Find out more.

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