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  • family-stories
  1. Home
  2. Family stories

Family stories

Every family faces a unique set of difficulties. Every family that got through those hard times needed someone to help get them back on their own two feet.  

For these parents, Home-Start was the crucial help that allowed them to give their children the best possible start in life:

Aminatu – supporting refugees in Cardiff

Aminatu – supporting refugees in Cardiff

Imagine you are in a foreign country, having been forced to flee your home because of war. Many Home-Starts are supporting a growing number of refugee families. Read more

Published: 6th October, 2016

Updated: 22nd August, 2018

Author: Matt Hann

Danielle - coping with bereavement

Danielle - coping with bereavement

"I walked into the house and Isaac was still in his baby walker, wedged in the doorway. I knew something was drastically wrong". Read more

Published: 6th April, 2016

Updated: 22nd April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Forces families

Forces families

Home-Start works in British Forces bases in Cyprus as well as with families in bases, garrisons and barracks in the UK. Read more

Published: 20th April, 2016

Updated: 6th September, 2019

Author: Annie OBrian

John -dads supporting each other

John -dads supporting each other

Being a dad for the first time is daunting and its even more of a challenge if you have problems with your mental or physical health. Read more

Published: 6th June, 2017

Updated: 16th June, 2017

Author: Matt Hann

Kris - five children under five

Kris - five children under five

"Carrying two children at a time is just normal to me", says Kris who had a son and two sets of twins. Read more

Published: 11th April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Michael - keeping children from care

Michael - keeping children from care

Michael is raising his three granddaughters on his own because of their mum's heroin and alcohol dependency. Read more

Published: 5th April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Nabilah - severe loneliness

Nabilah - severe loneliness

"Isolation and loneliness are just about the worst feelings. I was a scared to leave the house. I felt so alone." Read more

Published: 5th April, 2016

Updated: 20th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Pauline - facing personal tragedy

Pauline - facing personal tragedy

"My husband was killed by a drunk driver. He simply went to work and never came back. I was devastated. At the time my son was six and my twin daughters only three". Read more

Published: 5th April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Rahela - urban isolation

Rahela - urban isolation

Isolation doesn’t just affect families living in rural areas. People who live in towns and cities are just as likely to suffer from isolation and feel alone. Read more

Published: 8th April, 2016

Updated: 12th October, 2016

Author: Matt Hann

Steve - children with disabilities

Steve - children with disabilities

Getting to the shops for a pint of milk was almost an impossible task for Steve until Michael, his Home-Start volunteer came along. Read more

Published: 5th April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

Zoe - helping young parents

Zoe - helping young parents

Zoe and her sons were isolated and trapped in their flat. Too many stairs and no lift meant she and her young boys rarely left the house. Read more

Published: 5th April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2016

Author: Annie OBrian

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Showing 10 of 11

Latest

  • Press and PR Manager

    Press and PR Manager

    A fantastic opportunity to lead the development of a media and PR programme at Home-Start UK, increase our profile and make sure Home-Start and the families we support are at the heart of the conversation.

  • Welcome to Family Matters - Spring 2022

    Welcome to Family Matters - Spring 2022

    Mum of three, Kelly, welcomes you to the Spring 2022 edition of 'Family Matters' magazine. She shares how Home-Start built her confidence and changed the future prospects for her children. Now she is training to become a Home-Start volunteer herself.

  • Aamira's Story: I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t speak the language and I had no idea what to do next

    Aamira's Story: I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t speak the language and I had no idea what to do next

    Pregnant with her third child, Aamira fled civil war and found safety in the UK. She says Home-Start helped her family build a happy new life. This is her story.

  • Cultivating better mental health

    Cultivating better mental health

    Growing veg has led to a growth in confidence and better and mental wellbeing for mums, thanks to an allotment project run by Home-Start Slough. Find out more.

Most read

  • Find your Home-Start

    Find your Home-Start

    Find your nearest Home-Start using our online map.

  • About us

    About us

    Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. We are there for parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.

  • Work for Home-Start UK

    Work for Home-Start UK

    The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff. Please find below current vacancies within Home-Start UK.

  • Find a Home-Start in Scotland

    Find a Home-Start in Scotland

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Scotland

  • Find a Home-Start in Northern Ireland

    Find a Home-Start in Northern Ireland

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Northern Ireland

  • Make a referral

    Make a referral

    We receive referrals from health visitors, GPs, social care and child care practitioners as well as those involved in mental health services, education, early years and probation.

  • Find a Home-Start in Wales

    Find a Home-Start in Wales

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Wales

  • Ways to volunteer - home visiting

    Help parents and their children by visiting them for a couple of hours a week in their own homes.

  • Home-visiting

    Home-visiting

    Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we’re helping. No judgement, just compassionate, confidential help and expert support.

  • Find support for your family

    Find support for your family

    Family pressures can sometimes be difficult to manage without emotional support and guidance around you. Find out how you can get the support you need.

Because childhood can't wait

Because childhood can't wait

The earliest years make the biggest difference. Home-Start makes sure those years count, so no child's future is limited.

Donate here to support Home-Start UK’s work around the country. To support a local Home-Start, you can find their details here. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 19th March, 2015

Updated: 14th April, 2022

Author:

Comments: 8

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