Home-Start celebrates 1 million children helped: Children parents asked to share stories

One Million Children calls for all parents and children who have benefited from Home-Start support in the past 40 years to share their stories at www.Home-Start.org.uk/OneMillionChildren. The charity is also eager for current and former volunteers to add their experiences of helping families.

Home-Start chief executive Rob Parkinson explains:

“2013 has been a landmark year for Home-Start. We want One Million Children to unite the Home-Start community; from the many thousands of volunteers who have selflessly given their help, to the parents they have supported through difficult times, and children (many who are now adults) who are reaching their potential thanks to Home-Start. We’re gathering together all of their stories at www.Home-Start.org.uk/OneMillionChildren to show how many people have been involved in or helped by our work, and demonstrate its impact on families.”

With today’s families under increasing pressure, Home-Start’s volunteer-led support service is needed just as much now as it was 40 years ago when it was first was established in Leicester by founder Margaret Harrison. Rising living costs, low or stagnant incomes, employment uncertainties, welfare changes and the loss of community services are all affecting vulnerable families and Home-Start is a vital helping hand. Speaking about her volunteer, Home-Start supported mum Rosie says:

“Having Wayne here has stopped the kids being victims and given us so much positivity. They are all doing so well. There is nothing like Home-Start; with no judgment and no scrutiny. The volunteers are amazing. Home-Start grows with the family. Wayne is just a comfortable part of the house now.”

Her daughter Sasha adds: “I actually feel like I can do all the stuff that no one thought I could do. It’s really nice to know that just one person can bring a whole family back together.”

Volunteers find supporting families beneficial too, whether it’s through putting professional skills to use or the simple ‘feel-good factor’ they get from helping others. Often people who have had Home-Start support later become volunteers. Former Home-Start supported mum Simone says:

“I was first supported in 1997 when at 18 I had my second son. I went to groups that they ran which I found really good. I was then supported in 2006 when I had a one year son, had been in a serious car accident and left my husband of 11 years. The support was amazing and don't think I could have done it without them. I was supported for about two years but was still involved with Home-Start so became a volunteer which I loved. Thanks to Home-Start I am now a support worker with disabled people. They always point out the positives when you’re feeling down and it’s a great place to make lots of new friends. I truly don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for Home-Start.”