We offer friendship, practical and emotional support to families with young children living in Dorset who are having difficulties for a variety of different reasons such as poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation, financial hardship and multiple births.

Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life, by supporting parents so they grow in confidence, strengthening and enjoying their relationships with their children and widening their links with the local community.

We understand that, sometimes, parents need a bit of nurturing, support and guidance. Our specially trained volunteers will visit you in your own home for between two and four hours a week to offer an extra pair of hands and a listening ear.

And because every child has their own unique, individual needs, we’ll work with you to find out what you need help with and tailor our time with you to suit that. You can also be reassured that our time with you will remain confidential.

Here are just a few of the things we can help you with:

– Establishing routines for your little ones and your home.

– Strengthening your relationship with your child or children.

– Improving your child’s physical and emotional health.

– Improving your physical and emotional health.

– Learning new parenting skills — we’ve got some great tips and tricks!

– Feeling less lonely and isolated by recommending local services and groups.

– Reducing stress from family conflict.

– Meeting other people who are in the same boat by helping you make new connections.

Plus, we also run multiple nurturing family groups every week offering a safe and welcoming environment. Learn more about our groups by clicking the button on the right.

Our reach covers a large part of the Dorset Council area including, the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport and the whole of the BCP Council area including, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. We also work across the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire, going as far north as Cranborne and Fordingbridge and as far east at New Milton.

The population of this area is over 650,000 with many pockets of high-level deprivation.

We are very lucky at Home-Start Wessex to have the wonderful Sarah Lean, bestselling children’s author, as a supportive patron. Find out more about her and her books on her website.

“I am fortunate to have experienced the warmth and support which is so readily offered when walking through the door of Home-Start Wessex, even as a visitor.

The power of reading with children can’t be understated. It can help foster close bonds between parents and children, cultivate emotional harmony, self-discovery, rest and, above all, joy. I am fortunate to be able to join the team in carrying this message with them as a part of their work with families. The staff and volunteers’ passion and enthusiasm for supporting families is infectious and it is a huge privilege to be associated with them.” – Sarah Lean, author of A Dog Called Homeless, A Horse For Angel, The Forever Whale, Jack Pepper and other popular titles.