Support From Home-Start Wessex
At times, being a parent can feel like the hardest, loneliest job in the world. It can be frustrating, heartbreaking and overwhelming. And no matter what anyone tells you, all parents struggle at one time or another. However, for some, the challenges can be greater. You’re not alone, though.
Our trained volunteers can offer support that’s geared towards you and your family. We want to help you build on your strengths and increase your confidence, so we’ll work with you to focus on those things you feel you’re struggling with most.
The support we give is totally non-judgmental; it’s simply compassionate, confidential and as individual as you are.
How To Get Support
We work closely with local GPs, Midwives, Health Visitors, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, The Welfare Team and Pre-Schools/Nurseries who refer families to us for support.
If you feel like you’re struggling and can’t cope, please speak to your healthcare professional about getting Home-Start support. The referral form that your healthcare professional will complete to access help can be downloaded below.
What happens once I’ve been referred?
Once you’ve been referred, one of our paid coordinators will get in touch with you for either a home visit or video call depending on individual circumstances. They’ll take time to chat with you so that they can understand your individual needs and agree a programme of support.
Depending on your situation, we’ll then carefully match you with a trained volunteer who will either visit you at home weekly for 2-4 hours, provide telephone befriending with weekly calls or you’ll be introduced to one of our family groups where you’ll be able to meet other parents, learn new skills and gain confidence.
Home-Start Wessex Groups
All of our groups are run by expert staff and trained volunteers. These groups provide a safe and welcoming setting where parents can meet to gain new skills, improve confidence and make new friends.
Our groups are now closed for the summer until September – we will let you know dates shortly.
If you are interested in any of these groups, please ask your health professional to refer you or attend one of our drop-ins.
Family Groups
For parents of children under 5 who are struggling with emotional, physical, or mental health needs. We aim to help both children and parents to develop their confidence to overcome anxiety and isolation, whilst increasing their parenting skills and knowledge. We encourage and nurture supportive networks within the local community and address the individual and often complex needs of each family. Weekly groups will provide:
Outcome-based support and assessments of need for each individual family
Individual plans which are regularly reviewed
A supportive network with other parents
Strategies leading to improved child/parent relationships
Information and support around child development
Early Year’s framework for school readiness
Drop-In Groups
An isolation-busting community-based drop-in group, the magic of Home-Start without the targeted support packages or referrals, no questions asked. Complete an induction form only, for local families in Dorset and visiting. A wide range of activities for the children and parents. We will offer support and information for families, snacks and drinks provided with an overall sense of belonging.
We aim to help both children and parents to further develop parenting abilities whilst increasing their skills and knowledge. We encourage and nurture supportive networks within the local community.
Bumps & Babies
For some women, their journey through pregnancy, birth and the initial postnatal period can be difficult. Support may be needed for many reasons: bereavement, anxiety, mental health needs, homelessness/poor housing, or other challenges. Feeling isolated or having trouble connecting with the local community can impact across all aspects of life especially during pregnancy.
Home-Start believes that the basic social support can make an enormous difference to the life of the most vulnerable families. We liaise with other organisations in the community helping woman to build a wider support network and access practical resources.
The focus within group is to provide non-judgemental and emotional support, whilst tackling isolation. Home-Start helps by promoting self-esteem, reducing isolation, and connecting families to their local community.
Weekly groups will provide:
Outcome-based support and assessments of need for each individual family
Individual plans which are regularly reviewed
A supportive network with other parents
Strategies leading to improved child/parent relationships
Information and support around child development
Trauma Birth Recovery
We also provide groups for homeless mums; for more information, click here.
Twins Group
A specially-tailored group in a fantastic setting, aimed at supporting the unique needs which come with twins and multiple birth. Bringing their own personal experiences, you will receive a warm welcome by fully-trained staff and volunteers. A relaxed opportunity to meet with other multiple birth parents. From pregnancy and up to under 5.
What Parents Say
Home-Start took away the loneliness. I don’t think I’d be here, or the children would be here if it wasn’t for those Thursday morning video calls and later the Wellness Walks. I felt like I belonged somewhere. When no one else was there, the health visitors weren’t coming, the hospital discharged me early because of Covid, it was only you.
‘Finding out my child has special needs was a devastating experience. Home Start gave me fantastic support. Thank you so much’
Thank you for everything. It’s been a challenging year but with your help, you helped me feel less alone at a time I was at my worse, when I thought I had no one to speak to, you made me feel like I had a purpose.
At the beginning I felt the children would have been better off living with someone else, that I was no good as a parent, now I have more confidence, enjoying time with my children and thinking about myself and what I would like to do in the future.