Welcome to Home-Start Wessex
For 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
Three Teams Taking on the Dorset Plane Pull Challenge for Home-Start Wessex
Three Teams Taking on the Dorset Plane Pull Challenge for Home-Start Wessex We’re excited to announce that three fantastic teams will be taking on the Dorset Plane Pull Challenge on Monday 31 August, all in support of Home-Start Wessex. Together, they’ll attempt to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 aircraft 50 metres across the runway – a huge challenge…
Meet Our New Volunteer Manager: Kathy
Meet Our New Volunteer Manager: Kathy We\'re delighted to welcome Kathy to the Home-Start Wessex team as our new Volunteer Manager. Kathy brings with her more than 30 years of experience in volunteer management and safeguarding, having worked with organisations including Age UK, Age Concern, Faithworks Wessex, as well as…
Brownsea Island Family Trip
Brownsea Island Family Trip Our families had a lovely trip to Brownsea Island thanks to vouchers we received from The National Trust. Brownsea Island is a beautiful nature reserve famous for its rare red squirrels and other lovely sights. Parenting can be tough for many, and thinking about a ferry…
Volunteer Spotlight – Jan
Volunteer Spotlight - Jan One of our lovely volunteers Jan has been kind enough to share her own story about being a Home-Start Wessex volunteer. Please read below. \"I love being a volunteer for Home-Start Wessex. It is very enjoyable and satisfying for me in many ways. I feel supported…
New ‘Behind Closed Doors’ Home-Start Wessex Campaign
New \'Behind Closed Doors\' Home-Start Wessex Campaign Home-Start Wessex has launched a new appeal for help to support local parents who are silently battling overwhelming challenges behind closed doors. It highlights the struggles many local families face, including dealing with mental health issues, grief, domestic abuse and the additional challenges…
£843 raised in the Summer Prize Draw!
£843 raised in the Summer Prize Draw! Home-Start Wessex would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you who supported our Summer Prize Draw. An incredible £843 was raised, which will go towards our essential work supporting families across Dorset. We would also like…
Home-Start Wessex Shortlisted in National BQF UK Excellence Awards
Home-Start Wessex Shortlisted in National BQF UK Excellence Awards Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Patron’s Award for Charity Organisations in the nationwide BQF UK Excellence Awards 2026. The BQF UK Excellence Awards highlight the success of organisations and people that demonstrate excellence in innovation, leadership,…
Wimborne Business Award Winners
Home-Start Wessex Wins Best Place to Work at the Wimborne Business Awards Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have won the Best Place To Work award in the Wimborne Business Awards 2026. Organised by Marketing West, the Wimborne Business Awards recognise and reward local businesses and organisations that have made a…
Staff Spotlight: Meet Kirstein
Welcoming Kirstein: Supporting Military Families at Home-Start Wessex We are delighted to welcome Kirstein to the Home-Start Wessex team as our new Military Project Intervention Worker. Kirstein brings both professional experience and personal understanding to her role, having been a military spouse for over 10 years. Her journey has given…
Home-Start Wessex Shortlisted in the Wimborne Business Awards
Home-Start Wessex Shortlisted in the Wimborne Business Awards Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Place To Work award in the Wimborne Business Awards 2026. Organised by Marketing West, the Wimborne Business Awards recognise and reward local businesses and organisations that have made a significant contribution…