Home-Start HOST

26/08/2026

In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire children to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write. This grew into Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - bringing the joy of reading to children around the world, including children in the families we support. Books and reading are such a joyful part of growing up, and we're proud to be part of it.

While our hearts are incredibly sad today, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for supporting our work and Dolly’s legacy.

07/08/2026

We're ending World Breastfeeding Week on a positive note (ok, we're always positive about breastfeeding..), with Rachel's story.

Because we offer support and information, we often see the most challenging aspects of breastfeeding, when parents are really struggling. But most breastfeeding isn't like that!

Rachel reminds us that breastfeeding is often positive, rewarding and hassle-free - especially with the right support to overcome the tricky bits.

https://home-starthost.org.uk/world-breastfeeding-week-rachels-story/


Grow in Tameside & Family Hubs Oldham Best Start Family Hubs

07/08/2026

We're rounding off World Breastfeeding Week on a positive note (ok, we're always positive about breastfeeding...), with Rachel's story.

Because we offer support, we often see parents when they are struggling the most - but most breastfeeding isn't like that!

Rachel reminds us that breastfeeding is often positive, rewarding and hassle-free - especially with the right support to overcome the tricky bits.

Read Rachel's story at https://home-starthost.org.uk/world-breastfeeding-week-rachels-story/



Home Start Infant Feeding Grow in Tameside Oldham Best Start Family Hubs

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Breastfeeding is personal to mum and baby, and many parents say they had different experiences with each of their children.

Lizzi, now one of our Peer Supporters, told us how breastfeeding her second child was familiar but different from her first.

https://home-starthost.org.uk/world-breastfeeding-week-lizzis-story/


Grow in Tameside & Family Hubs Oldham Best Start Family Hubs

06/08/2026

Such a positive confirmation from our new Mayor! All families deserve to be able to give their children the best start, feel positive about family life, and access the support they deserve.

This fantastic news will build on the work of the Greater Manchester Baby Bank Network to extend care and support even further, reaching more parents who need it.

05/08/2026

"Support made all the difference."💜

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, we're sharing the stories of local families and celebrating every feeding journey.

For Daisy, breastfeeding both of her children brought its own challenges. Her first baby struggled to latch on one side, but with help and advice, things became much easier.

When her second baby arrived, she faced similar difficulties again. This time, she knew support was available.

Today, Daisy says: "I love breastfeeding and everything about it, especially the magical bond it creates with your baby."

Some parents find breastfeeding straightforward, while others need a little extra support along the way. Every family's journey is different. Whatever your experience, you don't have to do it alone.

Home-Start HOST's Infant Feeding Team works alongside Grow in Tameside & Family Hubs and Oldham Best Start Family Hubs, as well as NHS colleagues and community partners to provide FREE, compassionate support for families across Tameside and Oldham.

💜 Read Daisy's full story and find out about the support available:
https://home-starthost.org.uk/celebration-of-breastfeeding-daisys-story/



Thank you to Daisy, Charlotte, and all the other mum's who have shared their journey 💜

04/08/2026

"I didn't know it would get easier"

World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to celebrate every family's feeding journey and the importance of making sure parents have the support they need from the very beginning.

"The first few weeks were incredibly hard."

Charlotte wasn't prepared for the pain, the exhaustion or the loneliness. But she also didn't know that, with time and support, things would change.

Today she's breastfed two children, feeding her first for 19 months and her second for more than two years.

"The bond I feel when feeding, those little eyes looking into mine and tiny hands holding on is something I will treasure forever."

For many parents, breastfeeding isn't straightforward. That's why Home-Start HOSTs Infant Feeding Team is here to help, with practical advice, reassurance and support, whatever stage you're at.

💜 Every feeding journey deserves support.



To hear more of Charlotte's own words, and find out what free support is available from Home-Start HOST visit: https://home-starthost.org.uk/breastfeeding-week-charlottes-story/

03/08/2026

This year's theme for Word Breastfeeding Week is 'strengthen what works' . Access to evidence-based information and accessible support throughout the feeding journey is key to enabling mums and babies to successfully establish and continue to succeed at breastfeeding. Our Infant Feeding support team do just that, offering support from pregnancy onwards to parents across Oldham and Tameside.

03/08/2026

Tough Mudder update - she did it! Thanks so much to everyone who's donated to Lauren's fundraising so far. There's still time to show your support for Lauren's amazing achievement (every little helps!) at https://www.justgiving.com/page/lauren-forrester-2