Volunteer Impact Home-Start volunteers make an impact that can last generations. By supporting children, and their parents, during the early years, volunteers play a vital role in building a supportive, nurturing world. Research shows that this is fundamental to an ability to thrive in adulthood. During the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed in the brain every second. But, toxic stress factors during this time such as adversity, poverty and unpredictable environments, can damage the developing brain architecture leading to lifelong problems in learning, behaviour and mental health. A supportive nurturing environment during the the early years is an important prerequisite for success in school, and later in the workplace and community. Over the last 50 years, Home-Start volunteers have supported 1.5 million children, helping to ensure a better future for them, and a better society overall. Here's just one story that demonstrates the long-lasting legacy of Home-Start support: Twenty years ago, new mum Sam was supported by a Home-Start volunteer called Marie. Sam was experiencing post-natal illness, later diagnosed as post partum psychosis. Weekly visits from Marie became a lifeline to Sam and baby Molly. Sam lost touch with Marie when her family moved to another part of the country. But they never forgot one another. Twenty years later they find each other on social media and arrange to meet up. And Sam brings along a very special surprise... Watch their incredible reunion: Content Advisory Warning: This film includes reference to the experience of post-partum psychosis and mental illness which some viewers may find distressing. Could you be a home-start volunteer, making a lasting difference to families? Find out more Further support for postpartum psychosis Approximately 1 in 500 new mums will be diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. It is a severe mental health condition that needs to be medically treated. If you, or anyone you know, is affected please speak to medical professionals. Charitable support is available from Action on Post Partum Psychosis (APP Network) Crisis Support: If you or someone you care about is in crisis, or feeling suicidal and needs urgent help you can access support in the following ways: Go to A&E at your local hospital Phone emergency services on 999 Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or email [email protected] Manage Cookie Preferences