About Home-Start Cymru Family Support
Home-Start Cymru works holistically with other community support partners including health practitioners and offers a range of services aimed at building stronger families and communities and creating a safer environment for children through in-home or group programmes.
Our staff and our volunteers are passionate about the difference we make and their unending commitment to changing lives is a unique and precious asset to Home-Start Cymru. Human connection is at the heart of our support for families, and as a values-led organisation, we also place our people at the centre. Underpinning all of our actions lie the following core values: Trust, Support, Empathy, Compassion and Connection.
We believe that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play a key role in giving their children a good start in life – helping them to achieve their full potential.
Families invite us into their homes and lives so we can form relationships so that our peer volunteers and expert staff can offer non-judgemental, compassionate, confidential support. This enables parents to undertake a sustained journey of change that increases their own and their family’s well-being.
How our services support families in Wales
Home-Start Cymru volunteers work alongside families to provide compassionate and confidential parenting support services tailored to each family in Wales. Our volunteers can support families with individual one-to-one home-visiting, online support and a wide range of targeted interventions for parents and their children.
We support families who are facing challenges such as post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues. They will receive the support of a volunteer who will spend around two hours a week in a family’s home supporting them in the ways they need.
How can I get family support?
We work closely with local health professionals including Midwives and Health Visitors, GPs and Community Mental Health Teams and Early Help Teams. Additionally Social Workers, Family Support Workers and Pre-Schools/Nurseries can also refer families to us for support. You can also self-refer if you would prefer.
What happens once I’ve been referred?
Once you’ve been referred, one of our Coordinators will visit you at home. They’ll take time to chat with you so that they can understand your individual needs and agree on a programme of support. Depending on your situation, we’ll then carefully match you with a trained volunteer who will visit you at home for 2-3 hours each week. Alternatively, you may be introduced to one of our family groups where you’ll be able to meet other parents, learn new skills and gain confidence.
What If I need urgent parenting support?
We recognise there will be times that families might need to talk to someone urgently. However, Home-Start Cymru does not provide urgent support. There are a number of charities who can offer immediate help in different ways.
Our Services
We provide a range of services to help and support families across the majority of local authorities in Wales.
Group Support
We facilitate group support sessions where families come together, share experiences, and build social connections. These groups address specific topics or challenges, allowing parents to learn from one another and provide mutual support.
Behaviour Management
Qualified staff deliver targeted programs to address behaviour management challenges.
Housing and Financial Support
We assist families with housing and financial maximisation.
