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

Steve has to give both of his two disabled sons, Kieran (10) and Lyndon (three), 24-hour support. Both boys are partially sighted and have physical difficulties. With Kieran in a wheelchair and Lyndon in a pushchair, getting out to the local shops just to get a pint of milk was not an option.  Steve just didn't have enough hands to push both boys at once.

Home-Start matched Steve with volunteer Michael, who visits the family once a week in their own home. Michael not only offers practical support with the two boys, but is also male company for Steve too.

Steve said:

Lyndon loves being out in his pushchair no matter what the weather.  With Michael's extra pair of hands we can get out to the park, get some fresh air and I get to stretch my legs too.

Being partially sighted means that both boys rely heavily on sounds. With Michael's help Steve has been able to take both of his boys to a music group, an activity that both boys enjoy.

Steve says that Home-Start support has been invaluable:

Michael has been visiting for just over a year now. Just once a week, for a couple of hours, I have the company of another male adult, who not only lends an ear but a pair of hands too!

If you want to find out about help for your own family, please contact your local Home-Start to see if they have a volunteer available in your area.

Please support Home-Start so that we can continue to support more families like Steve's.  If you can't donate, then please think about volunteering - your time helps as much as your money.  You can change a family's life.