Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their difficult times.

The charity was founded in Leicester in 1973, and has spread to all four corners of the UK and into British Forces bases in Germany and Cyprus. In 1998, Home-Start became International in response to requests from more than 22 other countries wishing to adopt the Home-Start approach. 

Today, Home-Start supports more than 33,000 families and 70,000 children each year in the UK in 288 local communities.

The charity is based on the simple premise that if parents get support and friendship from another parent, they will be better equipped to learn to cope with the many difficulties life can bring, and will be able to give their children the best possible start to their own lives.

The families may be struggling with physical health problems, isolation, mental health problems, bereavement or other difficulties. The support involves a Home-Start volunteer spending around two hours a week in a family’s home supporting them in the way they need. This support is critical, and sometimes this is what the family needs to prevent their children from entering Local Authority Care.

Please, please be generous in supporting such a fantastic and worthy cause! 

Thank you, 

Melissa x