Home Start support a wide range of different people, reciving 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.
They help families with young children through a combination of home visiting support, group support and social activities, matching the needs of the family with trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support.
Support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Home visiting volunteers call by every week, for a couple of hours, for as long as the family needs support, or until the youngest child turns five or starts full-time education.