Home-Start Reading

Home-Start Reading Supporting Reading families through difficult times, to help parents give their children the best possible start in life

You can find us at...

https://twitter.com/HomeStartRDG

https://www.instagram.com/homestartrdg

We want to thank Captain Michael (‘Speedy’) and Lady Captain Pat at The Springs Golf Club for choosing Home-Start Readin...
23/06/2026

We want to thank Captain Michael (‘Speedy’) and Lady Captain Pat at The Springs Golf Club for choosing Home-Start Reading as their Charity of the Year last year.

Throughout the year, the club hosted several fundraising events for us. We were blown away by the generosity of the club staff and members, who raised a whopping £15,800.

With rising costs and funding now much harder to secure, the money raised was essential for us to keep supporting local families. We really enjoyed our partnership with The Springs and can't thank them enough.

Thanks too to Karen for making the connection!

We have recently said a fond farewell to Catherine Troup, who worked her socks off to support Home-Start Reading as Co-C...
12/06/2026

We have recently said a fond farewell to Catherine Troup, who worked her socks off to support Home-Start Reading as Co-Chair then Chair of Trustees.

Catherine joined as a trustee 12 years ago then, in partnership with Sue Biggs, took on the role of Co-Chair in 2018. Together they worked tirelessly to raise funds and support the staff team to do their best helping local families in need. After Sue left in 2024, Catherine continued her efforts as sole chair until April this year.

Catherine said: "I loved my time with Home-Start Reading. It is time for me to move on but I wish the charity the very best and look forward to hearing about their future successes."

Catherine was fundamental in securing our new Chair, and we were incredibly lucky to welcome Liz Stead to take the helm. Liz brings great experience and skills to the role and is very well placed to lead us through the next stages of our journey.

Thank you, Catherine! We miss you but are so grateful for your love and dedication to Home-Start Reading.

One of our volunteers recently stepped down, after finding a new job as a teaching assistant. She told us, "I have reall...
05/06/2026

One of our volunteers recently stepped down, after finding a new job as a teaching assistant.

She told us, "I have really enjoyed working with the families and I'm sure that being a Home-Start volunteer helped me to get my job as a TA. Having the opportunity to work with families in their home was special and gave me valuable experience. Thank you so much Home-Start!"

If being there to support a local family going through difficult times sounds like something you would like to do, we'd love to hear from you.

We just ask that you can spare 2-3 hours a week and that you’re an empathetic person who enjoys spending time with children.

Most of the training is online and can be completed in your own time, followed by in-person sessions to consolidate what you have learnt and make sure you're ready to be matched with a family.

If this sounds like the rewarding new challenge you’ve been waiting for, please call Marion (07483 113681) or Julie (07483 113679) or email us at [email protected].

Volunteering to support families going through difficult times is not easy, so we really appreciate all the amazing peop...
04/06/2026

Volunteering to support families going through difficult times is not easy, so we really appreciate all the amazing people who step up to do it.

While volunteering with us comes with its challenges, building a connection with a family and helping parents grow in confidence and find ways to overcome some of the difficulties they're facing is really a special experience.

Here's what one of our new volunteers told us recently...

Volunteers' Week seems like a good time to introduce our Volunteer of the Year - Sarah. Sarah joined Home-Start Reading ...
04/06/2026

Volunteers' Week seems like a good time to introduce our Volunteer of the Year - Sarah.

Sarah joined Home-Start Reading three years ago. From the start of her volunteering journey with us, she has shown great patience, kindness and understanding to the families she has supported.

In addition to home visiting, she helps out at our Mums in Mind Baby Group, being there as a friendly face and someone for the mums to talk to, as well as helping with the little ones.

On receiving the Volunteer of the Year cup at our AGM, Sarah said, “I absolutely love working for Home-Start with all the other wonderful volunteers! It’s such an amazing charity that helps so many families.”

A big thank you to Sarah and all our incredible volunteers. You are at the heart of all we do!

This week is Volunteers' Week - a celebration of the contribution volunteers make across the UK. We want to take this op...
03/06/2026

This week is Volunteers' Week - a celebration of the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing people who volunteer for us. The difference you make to families going through tough times is literally life-changing.

Thank you so much! 🧡💜

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is community, which is something that really resonates with us. On...
16/05/2026

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is community, which is something that really resonates with us. One of the crucial ways we support familes is helping them to build their connections so they feel less isolated and better able to forge a positive way forward.

When they come to us, a large proportion of parents are struggling with their mental health. Looking back at the families we helped last year, the mental health challenges parents most commonly experienced were stress, followed by anxiety and exhaustion. Lack of confidence was another factor many struggled with.

By the end of their time with us, 62% reported an improvement in their mental health and 84% were better able to manage their children's mental health.

It's a privilege to be able to help families build up their resilience and coping strategies and see parents' confidence grow.

There's another opportunity to put us forward us to win £5,000 from the Benefact Group Movement for Good.That sum would ...
14/05/2026

There's another opportunity to put us forward us to win £5,000 from the Benefact Group Movement for Good.

That sum would make a real difference to our small charity.

To nominate us, just follow this link, scroll down and complete the form at the bottom of the page: https://movementforgood.com/draws/special/health-wellbeing?cn=1110638&ct=health&i=1778784027-47024.jpg&utm_source=holiday+card&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=M4G2025card&utm_id=M4G2025card . It only takes a minute.

Thank you! 🧡💜

Today is Volunteer Recognition Day, so we couldn't let it pass without taking this opportunity to say thank you to every...
20/04/2026

Today is Volunteer Recognition Day, so we couldn't let it pass without taking this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has volunteered their their time to support local families through tough times.

It's not easy, and our volunteers give their time knowing there will be no reward other than the knowledge of the difference they make. We literally couldn't do what we do without them.

If helping families with young children get through challenging times and thrive sounds like something you would like to do, we'd love to hear from you.

Thank you to the volunteers from Project Linus UK's Berkshire branch for these lovely patchwork quilts. Inspired by Linu...
15/04/2026

Thank you to the volunteers from Project Linus UK's Berkshire branch for these lovely patchwork quilts.

Inspired by Linus from the cartoon Peanuts, who was never seen without his security blanket, the project brings comfort to children in challenging circumstances.

We've shared the quilts with families we support who have a recent addition, and the participants of our current Mums in Mind course each had the opportunity to choose one for their little one.

The quilts are so carefully made and we're confident they will be cherished by their new owners. It's such a lovely way for creative people to make a difference to others in their community, and creates a beautiful sense of care and connection. 🧡💜

Address

7 Southcote Parade, Southcote Farm Lane
Reading
RG303DT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441189560050

Website

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