Welcome to Home-Start Wessex
For nearly 30 years, we’ve provided family support to local, vulnerable and disadvantaged families with at least one child under five.
In the last year we helped a record number of families with demand continuing to rise.
We are working hard to keep up with this demand and help the local families that need us, but we can’t do this alone. We need the support of the whole community.
Get support
We work with you to build on your strengths and give you the support you tell us you need.
Ways to volunteer
By volunteering just a few hours a week you can transform the lives of young children and their parents in your community.
Why fundraise for us?
A child’s earliest years are the most important. Home-Start wants to make sure those years count. Can you help us?
Latest
Thinking of volunteering?
Thinking of volunteering?We would love you to come in and discuss all things volunteering with a nice cuppa and a biscuit. If you\'re curious and would like to know more, please come in (full details on the poster on this page) and ask questions, get a feel for what we…
24-Hour Boxing Marathon Raises Record-Breaking £10.5k for Home-Start Wessex
24-Hour Boxing Marathon Raises Record-Breaking £10.5k for Home-Start WessexBournemouth-based Holt Recruitment took on an intense 24-hour boxing marathon this May, raising a record-breaking £10,500 for local families charity Home-Start Wessex. Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under 5…
Home-Start Wessex Wins Community Support Gold at Weymouth Business Awards
Home-Start Wessex wins Community Support Gold at Weymouth Business AwardsHome-Start Wessex is delighted to have won a Gold Community Support Award at the Weymouth Business Awards 2025 in recognition of its positive impact on the local community. Organised by Marketing West, the Weymouth Business Awards recognise and reward local businesses…
Real Story: Haven Group
Real Family Story: Haven GroupMum and youngest child have been coming to one of our Haven Groups since November. They had recently moved to the area as they had been made homeless. Mum was struggling to find groups suitable for her youngest, who is 4 years old, as he has…
Trauma Risk Management Training for Home-Start Wessex Staff
Trauma Risk Management Training for Home-Start Wessex StaffEight staff within the Home-Start Wessex family team have recently completed their TRiM Practitioner training through Strongmind Resilience Training. Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) is designed to provide psychological support to people who may be struggling following a traumatic incident. They are now equipped…
Real Story: Grandma intervened to support her neglected grandchildren
Real Family Story: Grandma intervened to support her neglected grandchildrenGrandma intervened to support her neglected grandchildren. Mum was addicted to drugs, leading to both children suffering extreme neglect and sexual abuse. Social Services arranged to meet the grandmother at the property but they were delayed, so to get the children…
Families First for Children Pathfinder Project
Families First for Children Pathfinder ProjectWe are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dorset Council as part of the Families First for Children Pathfinder programme. Through this collaboration, we are delivering Home-Start services to support local families, ensuring children have the best possible start in life. Since September 2024, we…
Home-Start Wessex attends AFCB match day
Home-Start Wessex attends AFCB match dayAs part of our charity partnership with AFC Bournemouth, some of our staff members attended AFCB\'s match days and celebrated International Women\'s Day. They were full of fun talking to fans, meeting Cherry Bear and being flag bearers. For men’s day we had the opportunity…
Holt Recruitment Reach Finals of National Volunteer Awards
Holt Recruitment Reach Finals of National Volunteer AwardsBournemouth-based Holt Recruitment has been shortlisted for the Corporate Volunteer category of the Home-Start Volunteer Awards. Out of over 160 nominations, they made the final shortlist of just 19. Home-Start Wessex nominated Holt Recruitment for its outstanding fundraising efforts over the past year.…
