Home-Start in Northern Ireland

More than 1,500 families are being supported by 300 Home-Start volunteers in 16 communities in Northern Ireland.

Home-Start volunteers help families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them. We support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Home-Start knows that well-trained volunteers complement the early-years workforce, significantly contributing to the support families receive and enabling them to access services when they are most needed. We are pleased to be involved in Family Support Hubs, working towards a seamless offer of services so that the needs of children and families are not missed.

Home-Start was founded in 1973. The first Home-Start in Northern Ireland was established in East Belfast in 1983.

If you want to find other support available for your family, click here to visit the Northern Ireland Family Support website, a comprehensive database of family support and childcare services across Northern Ireland.

Find a Home-Start in Northern Ireland

Find your nearest Home-Start in Northern Ireland Read more

Help to access services

One of the most important roles played by a Home-Start volunteer is to help people access local services in their area. Read more

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. Read more

Our impact in Northern Ireland

In the past year Home-Start supported 1,456 families in Northern Ireland, with 540 people volunteering their time. Read more

Latest

Volunteering Stories: “Thoughts from a new boy on the block!”

Taking those first steps to volunteer for Home-Start can be filled with uncertainty and you may have a lot of questions. Michael Baim, a volunteer for Home-Start Central Bedfordshire, has been volunteering for six months now, supporting families in his local area. Click here to read more about his perceptions half a year later.

New study shows substantial benefit of home-based family support.

Ahead of the general election leading family support charity, Home-Start, has called on all political parties to commit to investing in proven methods of help for families, such as volunteer-led, peer-to-peer relationship based support.

Pre-Christmas Home Start Charity Collection

Recommended by a friend

"Put children at the heart of the General Election"

Home-Start UK have joined 140+ organisations in a call to all political parties to put children and young people at the heart of this General Election.

Find your Home-Start

Find your nearest Home-Start using our online map.

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

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.