Here for families when they need us most.
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
Volunteer Spotlight – Kate
Volunteer Spotlight - KateI’m Kate and I am a mum to 4 year old twins. They were born in lockdown 5 weeks early via c-section and we spent some time in NICU. They were 9 months old when we first went out. On our first trip to the supermarket I…
Family Christmas Party
Family Christmas PartyWe recently celebrated our families\' christmas party at AFC Bournemouth. All our families were invited, and we had a great time with Minky Moos Entertainment, dancing, playing and partying! We even had a visit from a Christmas princess, Santa and his elves and the AFC Bournemouth woman’s football…
New Twins Group in Wimborne
New Twins Group in WimborneAbsolutely amazing launch for our twins group at Wimborne Family Hub. 6 parents in total came along for the first session and the connection they had with each other was almost immediate. We were joined by 4 volunteers all with a special link to twins experiences…
Life-changing Volunteers and Fantastic Fundraisers Celebrated at Home-Start Wessex Afternoon Tea Event
Life-changing Volunteers and Fantastic Fundraisers Celebrated at Home-Start Wessex Afternoon Tea EventStaff, volunteers and supporters at local families charity Home-Start Wessex came together earlier this month to celebrate the amazing achievements of their volunteers and to thank their fantastic fundraisers and supporters. Home-Start Wessex volunteers offer friendship, practical support and…
Real Family Story, TW: Paedophilia & Cancer
Real Family Story, TW: Paedophilia & CancerMum found out she was married to a paedophile. After he went to prison, she had to go through a tough parenting assessment. After this initial distress she then found out that she had cancer. Doctors also discovered mum had the BRCA gene, so…
Home-Start Wessex reports another record year
Home-Start Wessex reports another record year, supporting over 500 local families in crisis and transforming 1,682 livesFamilies charity Home-Start Wessex has reflected on its increased impact across Dorset as it marks twelve months since it extended its reach following the closure of sister organisation Home-Start West Dorset. Home-Start Wessex has…
Real Story – Family referred to us by children’s disability services
Real Story - Family referred to us by children\'s disability servicesThe family were referred to us by children’s disability services. Successful parents tried for years to have a baby. They finally got pregnant, and everything was going well, until delivery day. The birth was so traumatic that not only was…
New Head of Operations for Home-Start Wessex
New Head of Operations for Home-Start WessexFamilies charity Home-Start Wessex is delighted to welcome Belinda Hewett as their Head of Operations. The new Operations role has been created as the charity works hard to keep up with rising demand. Last year, Home-Start Wessex helped a record 501 families, their highest-ever…
Holt Recruitment Raise over £2,500 for Home-Start Wessex during Week of Ultimate Charity Challenges
Holt Recruitment Raise over £2,500 for Home-Start Wessex during Week of Ultimate Charity ChallengesHolt Recruitment, based in Bournemouth, took on an epic week of unique challenges this September to raise funds for Home-Start Wessex, a charity that does incredible work to support local families in need. Senior managers at…
Volunteer Spotlight – Anne Luke
Volunteer Spotlight - Anne LukeAnne is a retired civil servant and a grandmother. She has volunteered for Home-Start Wessex for 11 years, visiting families at home and supporting at family groups. Anne decided to volunteer after seeing an advert in a local library. She was not ready to rest yet,…