Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester is a community network of trained volunteers and expert support that is helping families with young children through their challenging times.
“We are there for parents when they need us most because childhood can’t wait. Home-Start works with families right across the two Districts of Stroud and Gloucester, last year supporting over 650 families,” said Shelley James.
There are currently a handful of paid and volunteering opportunities to join the team.
One mum supported by Home-Start said “I don’t think I could have got through most days if it wasn’t for the help I got from Home-Start. The lady (volunteer) I speak to every week is like my fairy godmother. Absolutely love her!”
Alex Corgier, Scheme Manager, explained: “Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we are helping. No judgement, it is just compassionate, confidential help, expert support provided in a way that families need.
“Families struggling with poor mental health, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues, receive the support of a volunteer who will spend around two to three hours a week in a family’s home. Alongside this we also support parents through our group support; ante-natal, post-natal and with drop-in groups for mothers affected by poor mental health. We now also have a service called Dad Matters dedicated to better supporting dads and partners in the first 1001 days of becoming a parent.”
There is a free training course for volunteers on September 23rd. For further information on the charity and/or an application pack visit www.homestartsd.org
