When I had my daughter at 19 I was completely lost. I had never held a baby let alone have sole charge of it for the next 70 odd years! I was lucky that I was born into a wonderfully supportive family with sisters, my mum, my aunties and friends. Without their daily help Ella would have probably ended up in care, as I battled post natal depression and poverty. I can’t imagine how I would have looked after her, clueless, by myself. This is the reality of what a difference a supportive network can make.

I know I was lucky to have this support at hand and I know that other people don't. This is where Home-Start HOST come in…

The earliest years make the biggest impact: HOST makes sure those years count so that no child’s future is limited. Children who are raised in a stable, loving, family environment are more likely to have a positive and healthy future.

Starting in the home, their approach is as individual as the people they’re helping. No judgement, it is just compassionate, confidential help and expert support.

The families supported by HOST have a wide range of needs, including poor mental health, poverty, debt, domestic abuse, social isolation, illness, poor parenting skills, poor housing or they may be asylum seekers or have a disability of parent or child.

By supporting HOST you are changing lives. From the Christmas Party to the teddy bears picnic to Dad Matters support groups to infant feeding, your donation will touch every area of their support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.