News Release
Local family support charity hosts a fact finding mission
January 2008
A small family support charity in the Falkirk area is set to play host to Adam Ingram, the Minister for Children and Early Years on the 15th January. He will meet with families who have been supported by the charity and find out more about the unique service provided by Home-Start Denny. Adam Ingram, Minister for children and Young People said: "This initiative and the valuable contribution of its many dedicated volunteers make a huge difference to families throughout the country. Family life, particularly parenting, can be difficult and the people of Home-Start work tirelessly to provide help and support to those who need it when they need it most. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to see their work at first hand"
He will be accompanied by the area's local MSP, Michael Matheson, who is a long time supporter of his local Home-Start and says: "I am keen to demonstrate to the Minister how effective Home-Start support is for local families, and how cost effective this type of early voluntary support is for local families."
Home-Start Denny, is one of 32 locally-based Home-Starts in Scotland, and one of 340 in the whole of the UK. It has been recruiting and training volunteers to support local families since 2000. The volunteers visit families in their own homes, offering both practical and emotional support to parents who are struggling to cope with bringing up a family, whatever the reason. In Scotland last year 2,062 families and 4,390 children were supported by 638 volunteers. More than 300 other Home-Start schemes support families across the UK.
Dave Milliken, Director of Scotland said, "It's a simple idea, but one that works. By supporting parents in the early years we are helping to build stronger families. Communities too are strengthened because of the local involvement. The Scottish Government is embarking on an Early Years Review. We welcome this review as it presents an opportunity to strengthen parenting at an early time in a child's life."
Sandra Rankin, Coordinator at Home-Start Denny said, "Through home visits from our volunteers and additional support from the family group we help to build parents' confidence, increase their social networking and empower parents to cope with difficulties. We help local parents to cope with difficulties. We help local parents give their children the best possible start in life."
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- Photograph available on request
- Adam Ingram will be visiting Home-Start Denny between 2.00pm-3.15pm.
Contact details:
Dave Milliken, Director, Scotland, Home-Start UK
Tel: 01259 729819
Email: dmilliken@home-start.org.uk
Jo McLeish, Press and PR Officer, Home-Start UK
Tel: 0870 220 6713
Email: jmcleish@home-start.org.uk
Home-Start is the UK's leading family support charity. We recruit and train volunteers to support parents with at least one child under the age of five. Our home visiting work is unique in the UK. The charity was set up in 1973 and now supports nearly 35,000 families and over 71,000 children each year. Almost 16,000 volunteers visit families in their own homes - parents supporting other parents in a variety of situations including isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness or disability.
To volunteer, donate or find out more about Home-Start phone free on 08000 68 63 68 or log on to http://www.home-start.org.uk
