Although part of a national organisation, Home-Start Nottingham is firmly rooted in the local community, managed by a committee made up of local representatives from relevant agencies and individuals with specialist skills. Home-Start UK provides valuable guidance around policy, training, information and personal support, enabling Home-Start Nottingham to respond to local needs, but having the quality of service derived from agreed national quality standards.
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Home-Start Nottingham began in 1978 and is now one of over 325 schemes in the UK. Home-Start is also developing internationally, sharing expertise to benefit communities across the globe.
Home-Start Nottingham is locally driven, locally managed and supported by local volunteers, in this way, the service helps to reconnect and reintegrate families with their community. Children, parents and the wider community all benefit from Home-Start Nottingham’s work.
Home-Start Nottingham provides a universal and non stigmatising service and is therefore sometimes more acceptable to families than Statutory Services.The fact that a volunteer chooses to visit a family helps a family to feel valued and has an immediate effect on their self-esteem.
Home-Start volunteers support families in a sensitive and flexible way.
They share their time, friendship and work alongside parents focussing on their strengths and offering families the opportunity to develop new relationships, ideas and skills. This usually leads to renewed interest in the children, an improved response to their needs and greater confidence to avail themselves of other resources within their community.
They share their time, friendship and work alongside parents focussing on their strengths and offering families the opportunity to develop new relationships, ideas and skills. This usually leads to renewed interest in the children, an improved response to their needs and greater confidence to avail themselves of other resources within their community.
Volunteers visit with a family once a week, for approximately 3 hours.
The approach of the volunteer varies according to the needs of the family they visit, but will include:
The approach of the volunteer varies according to the needs of the family they visit, but will include:
Offering support, friendship and practical assistance.
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual.
Encouraging enjoyment of family life.
Taking the time to develop a relationship with the family and an understanding of their needs.
Encouraging the parents strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of the children.
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available within the community.
The Home-Start Nottingham vision :
‘Home-Start Nottingham aims to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life by reaching out to and working alongside parents with a positive and non-judgmental approach’
Simple but very effective
“I Just hope you all realise what a difference you make”
Jo - Family
“My volunteer was just so easy to get on with, just being able to talk to an understanding person outside the family was good - something I really needed”
Tracy - Family
“The support I received was key to me managing my situation and Cath was absolutely fantastic at listening and making helpful comments when needed. She made all the difference in the world to me and will deninitely have a lasting positive effect.”
Paula - Family
“My volunteer provided me with an extra pair of hands, was an objective listener with great ideas and a friend my own age”
Jackie - Family
"Arizona is 8 years old and likes to have fun in the park with her volunteer and have a cuddle."
