Home-Start Reading

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

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. 🧡💜

Well done to all our volunteers who completed Next Steps training, so they can help children get geared up for nursery. ...
08/04/2026

Well done to all our volunteers who completed Next Steps training, so they can help children get geared up for nursery.

On the same day they also received carbon monoxide awareness training, courtesy of SGN, who have supplied us with carbon monoxide alarms to distribute to the families we support.

If helping local families get through difficult times and thrive sounds like something you'd like to get involved with, please email [email protected] or [email protected] or call them on 0118 956 0050.

Wishing a happy Easter to all of you who celebrate it.
05/04/2026

Wishing a happy Easter to all of you who celebrate it.

We're delighted to share that our Safe and Sound Good Governance Award has just been renewed, following several months o...
27/03/2026

We're delighted to share that our Safe and Sound Good Governance Award has just been renewed, following several months of hard work.

Safe and Sound is an accreditation scheme run by Reading Voluntary Action (RVA). It covers all aspects of running a charity, from management and finances to safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion.

We're very grateful to Herjeet from RVA, for working closely with our Chair of Trustees, Catherine, and Manager Kelly to help us assess and improve our policies and procedures to ensure we made the grade.

Catherine told RVA, "Achieving Safe and Sound gives the trustee board confidence that strong foundations are in place. It supports good decision-making, strengthens accountability and demonstrates commitment to high standards. Above all, it reinforces trust – with families, volunteers and funders – that the charity is responsibly run."

Kelly added, "Safe and Sound has given us confidence that the foundations of our charity are strong, so we can focus on supporting families in the best ways possible."

Herjeet visited the office to present the certificate and celebrate our achievement with tea and cake.

COULD YOU RUN TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED?We're looking for people to run the Green Park Reading Half Marathon and Mini Mar...
24/12/2025

COULD YOU RUN TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED?

We're looking for people to run the Green Park Reading Half Marathon and Mini Marathon on 22 March 2026 to support our work with local families going through difficult times.

If you sign up to run Reading Half through us you'll get:

- free entry (a saving of around £50)
- a breathable recycled PET running vest
- mutual support and encouragement

We'd just ask you to raise at least £50 in donations - considerably less than most charities.

If running 13.1 miles sounds too daunting, how about the 3k Mini Marathon? That's open to anyone from age 4 and up (though under 11s must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

If you're interested, just email [email protected] or drop us a message on here and she'll get in touch with all the details.

Thank you!

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

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