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  • policy
  1. About us
  2. Policy

Policy

As one of the UK’s leading family support charities, Home-Start has extensive knowledge of the issues faced by parents and children in the UK. We use our experience supporting families to influence and respond to policy direction in the four nations of the UK as well as British Forces families in Cyprus.

We:

  • link the families and volunteers we work with and the issues that affect them to Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly;
  • support our local Home-Starts to respond locally to policy initiatives that impact families, volunteers and small charities;
  • use evidence from our own research to inform debates around family policy;
  • influence politicians to adopt policies and introduce new legislation which reflect the needs of families in the UK;
  • contribute to government consultations; and
  • work with other organisations to bring attention to issues affecting children and families and create a strong message around family support.
Babies in Lockdown

Babies in Lockdown

Best Beginnings, Home-Start UK and Parent-Infant Foundation, all leading organisations advocating for parents and babies, commissioned Critical Research to work with them to gain insights into the impact COVID-19 is having on babies and their parents of all backgrounds from across the UK. Read more

Published: 29th October, 2020

Author: Mollie Footitt

Children's Recovery Principles

Children's Recovery Principles

As a partnership of children and young people's organisations we are calling for a new vision of childhood to support children, young people and their families to recover from the impact of COVID-19. But recovery must not mean going back to how things were before, with rising child poverty and services at breaking point. Read more

Published: 29th October, 2020

Author: Mollie Footitt

Nutrition

Nutrition

Home-Start believes all our children should be well nourished and protected from poor nutrition. Read more

Published: 3rd February, 2016

Updated: 29th October, 2020

Author: Matt Hann

The First 1001 Days

The First 1001 Days

Our vision is that every baby has loving and nurturing relationships in a society that values emotional wellbeing and development in the first 1001 days, from pregnancy, as the critical foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Read more

Published: 29th October, 2020

Author: Mollie Footitt

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Showing 10 of 4

Latest

  • Partnership with BT to improve families’ digital connection

    Partnership with BT to improve families’ digital connection

    Home-Start is working with BT to support families worst hit by the cost-of-living crisis, by offering 2,500 financially vulnerable households’ free devices and connectivity on BT’s Home Essentials social tariff.

  • Alvina's story: In a new country, with a new baby, in lockdown and alone

    Alvina's story: In a new country, with a new baby, in lockdown and alone

    Having fled her home country for safety, Alvina's life turned further upside down when she gave birth to a premature baby just as the nation went into lockdown.

  • Learning and Development Manager

    Learning and Development Manager

    We are looking for a Learning and Development Manager to join our expanding team at Home-Start UK. You will be responsible for the research, development and implementation of programmes of learning for the Home-Start network.

  • Vongayi’s story: life after losing one of my twin boys

    Vongayi’s story: life after losing one of my twin boys

    Becoming a single parent, losing a child and experiencing life as a refugee has been a total rollercoaster for Vongayi. Here, she shares how Home-Start has helped her find a new way to live.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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Home-Start UK. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Charity no. in England and Wales 1108837 and in Scotland SC039172. Company no. 5382181.

Registered office: The Crescent, King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RX. © Home-Start UK