Home-Start Erewash

• • Bren Butler
  • Manager

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families under stress in their own homes, hoping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.
Visiting families in their own homes on a weekly basis, and sharing parenting skills and friendship. Volunteers learn new skills and make new friends in this supportive and friendly scheme.

Home-Start Organisers and Volunteers work towards the increased confidence and independence of the family by:

* offering support, friendship and practical assistance

* visiting families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

* reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life

* developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed: the approach is flexible to take account of differing needs

* encouraging parents' strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their children

* encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available within their community

Volunteers may help with the children, go out with the family to the park or shopping or provide a listening-ear.

We also offer courses, outings and a family group for our families

• Befriending or mentoring
• Children - Parenting & Families
• Voluntary sector support
• Volunteering

• People with learning difficulties
• People with mental health issues
• People with physical disabilities