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Mum Gina explains how her family faced isolation, eviction and homelessness. Vital support through Home-Start helped them survive a situation no family should ever have to face. Read more
Jodie left an 18-year abusive relationship and had to move to a new area with her two sons. This is her story of how Home-Start helped to rebuild her life and bring hope and confidence to not only her but to Timothy and Alfie too. Read more
Becci told us that she's always struggled with mental health and one day, the anxiety and pressures of raising a young family got too much. Everything changed through a conversation at a baby massage class. This is her story of how a Home-Start day out was the beginning of big change. Read more
Cally and Charlie’s journey with Home-Start began when their second son, Jack, was just two days old and developed many medical conditions. “It was a whole new world for us,” says Cally. “Life felt incredibly overwhelming and very isolating.” Read more
Home-Start supports thousands of families each year. Every person has their own story. Here, some of the families and volunteers share their experiences.
Donna was Eve's volunteer who walked into her life at her lowest point. With Donna's support, she found the courage to open the door again and even step out. Before Donna, she couldn't. Read more
Mum Emily tells us how isolating being a parent became for her and how living with a disability adds another layer. Judith, her Home-Start volunteer helped to make life's challenges feel easier. Read more
Lauren had complications during her pregnancy, but that was just the start of what she had to face. Her son was born with several needs which led to him having a gastrostomy. All of this, feeling anxious and overwhelmed meant her mental health collapsed. Lauren didn't want to accept Home-Start support at first, but her Home-Start volunteer Alison believed in her and that made all the difference. Read more
Heather shares how a traumatic birth, postpartum PTSD, isolation and devastating loss left her struggling to cope, until Home-Start volunteer Kirsty changed everything. Read more
An accident left Grace disabled and unable to work. When she became pregnant, the isolation got worse to the point of not leaving the house. She felt huge anxiety, pressure and fear but a referral to Home-Start changed everything thanks to Natasha. Read more
Karen was a teacher for over 30 years and once retired knew that volunteering for Home-Start was the right, next move for her. She’s now been a volunteer for three years, supporting three families so far as a home visitor. Read more
Cathy first heard about Home-Start from her mum’s friend who had volunteered for 25 years. Cathy never forgot that conversation and became a volunteer for Home-Start Slough (now Home-Start East Berkshire) eight years later, supporting six families and going on to be a Trustee. Read more
Eliza and Matt welcomed their identical twin girls amidst their already challenging life. Home-Start paired them with volunteer Joe, whose presence became a lifeline. Read more
Following a complicated situation in her personal life, Jemima found herself a single mum to twin girls. She was referred to Home-Start from a family hub. The twins were just one years old when Sally, their Home-Start volunteer went above and beyond to pick up the pieces. Read more
For Elizabeth and James, having a family has been shaped by moments of deep loss, new beginnings, and the everyday chaos of parenting young children. With Home-Start’s support, they’ve found practical help, friendship, confidence and a safe place. Read more
Gemma was living out of her car with her three young children aged seven, three and just six months old. Home-Start, Arun, Worthing and Adur were there to support her and she can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Read more
When Tamara found herself facing her first Christmas as a single parent, the weight of it felt too heavy to bear. Three children, endless worries, and a house that never seemed to sleep. Read more
Grace is a graduate with a passion for antenatal mental health and helping families. Her journey with Home-Start started as she became a group volunteer to becoming a Volunteer Co-ordinator. We caught up with her to find out more about her experience of being a young volunteer and stretching out of her comfort zone. Read more
Becoming a single parent, losing a child and experiencing life as a refugee has been a total rollercoaster for Vongayi. Here, she shares how Home-Start has helped her find a new way to live. Read more