Across the UK local Home-Starts have sure been busy over the summer holidays. From trips to the seaside, picnics in the rain or visiting donkey sanctuaries, there has been plenty of opportunities for families to get outside and have fun.
Here are just three examples

Home-Start Isle of Wight

The Newport based Home-Start is one of those who have organised plenty of activities for families in their local community this summer.

With up to three free sessions per day, running three days a week, there have been copious amounts for families to do on the island such as visits to the donkey sanctuary; wet welly walks, looking at the cows; and a chance to play on a real tractor – all activities involved lots of ice cream, of course.

Sarah, who helps plan theses day activities talked about the benefit these trips have, “they provide families with a familiar face, knowing there’s someone to talk to and an extra pair of hands.”

The purpose of the trips is not only for families to get together and have fun but to remind parents that Home-Start is there for them when they need families the most.

Having already conducted over 17 different activities this summer already, there’s always plenty to do for families within their community.

Home-Start Northampton

In the East Midlands, mother of two, Vicky, has been spending her summer holidays joining Home-Start Northampton on day trips across her local area.

“Thank you for making my children feel so included”

New to Home-Start, Vicky and her sons, aged seven and four, have found the support that they have received from the staff and volunteers at Home-Start Northampton absolutely brilliant.

Vicky’s youngest son has autism and said; “You don’t really think they’ll understand what’s going on with my kids, but they have been so understanding of autism.

“They always have time for them”

Taking part in almost one activity a week during the summer holidays, Vicky, her husband and her two boys have enjoyed precious family time together. They have been to Woburn Safari Park, took a boat trip down the canal, enjoyed many picnics in the rain and even got involved with a treasure hunt and biscuit decorating, “it’s been really nice to have activities that keep them busy”.

Home-Start Wandsworth

After brilliant feedback from families last year, Home-Start Wandsworth went on their annual trip to the seaside with more families than ever.

This August, 50 people got on board for a fun day in the sun at West Wittering beach in Sussex.
Laura, manager at Home-Start Wandsworth, said; “The beach trip is a real highlight of the year for our families, and the children love it!”

Home-Start Wandsworth’s schedule has been jam-packed with activities over the past couple of weeks. Families across the area have spent time outside planting flowers in the communal garden, caught up with other families and Home-Start friends at picnics and welcomed new members to the Home-Start community.

“One new mum was really nervous about joining the picnic and nearly didn’t come. As a result of the day, she’s now keen to come to more of our groups”

Carey, Groups Coordinator.

Activities and summer day trips like these are a way to bring together families who have used Home-Start services for years and those who have just started getting support. It's a chance to have fun, be reminded that they are not alone and that they always have someone to talk to.