Home-Start Blackmore Vale

17/06/2026

🧡"Isolation is not a small thing. It is not just feeling a bit lonely. It can affect your mental health, your confidence, your parenting and your child’s development. I’ve lived it, and I think it’s so important that people understand how serious it is.”

Loneliness Awareness Week isn't just an empty thing for us, it's real. Home-Starts across the UK are helping parents feel seen, heard and less alone through non-judgemental support.

Home-Start UK recently commissioned a parental loneliness survey (which you can read on their website https://www.home-start.org.uk/news/loneliness-survery-results ) and were saddened by the results, but it also strengthened our belief in the need for support like Home-Start.

If you're reading this and you need help, we’re here for you, call or drop us an email.
☎️01935 726438
📧 [email protected]

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15/06/2026

💕🌟Home-start Blackmore Vale helps support families, because we believe that giving children the best start in life gives them the best chance of a bright future.🌟💕

Our volunteers work with families, helping them to overcome everyday challenges and grow in confidence.

If you would like to make a difference to young families in your community and you would like to chat about what being a volunteer entails, please get in touch – 01935-726438, [email protected]

11/06/2026

💜💜Blissful Baby Massage - places available

We’re excited to be teaming up with Dorset Parent Infant Partnership again to offer six-weeks of gentle, nurturing infant massage sessions.

Through the power of positive touch, you’ll learn simple ways to soothe your baby,
build a beautiful bond, and support their wellbeing from the very start.

The course sessions will run on Wednesday mornings, at The Vale Family Hub, starting from 🌟17th June.🌟 1pm - 2:30pm

The sessions will be a supportive and calming space, suitable for babies older than four weeks but not yet crawling.

The group aims to support parents who…
🧡May have had a difficult or traumatic pregnancy and birth
🧡Have a baby who feels unsettled, fussy or hard to soothe
🧡Are feeling anxious and lacking in confidence
🧡Have experienced previous difficulties associated with pregnancy and birth

For the full criteria or to see if you are eligible, please get in touch – [email protected]

10/06/2026

🧡It’s Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is ‘Attunement’, but what does that actually mean?🧡

In short, it means how 'in tune' you are with your baby. How do you connect with your baby?

Attunement can happen in simple everyday moments:
- Making eye contact
- Sharing smiles
- Talking, singing and reading together
- Comforting and soothing when they're upset
- Following their lead during play

Attuned relationships help babies to feel safe and loved, and help them learn to regulate their emotions, supporting good infant mental health.

Everyone can benefit from learning more about attunement and there are lots of resources and tools available to help. Find out more:
https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/imhaw/

08/06/2026

🌿 Maiden Newton, Walking Group – Tuesday, 9th June🌿

Looking for a lovely way to get out and about with your little one and meet other parents? Our Maiden Newton walking group is open to any parent with a child/children under 5 who’d enjoy some fresh air, friendly chats and gentle exercise.

We will be meeting for a buggy-friendly stroll, every month on the 2nd Tuesday (during term time)

📍 Where: Rockpit Farm Walker’s Car Park, Chilfrome Lane DT2 0AX
🕙 When: Every month on the 2nd Tuesday at 9:15

It’s a great opportunity to connect with other parents in your community.

For more info or to register, call or text Charley on 07842415505.

We’d love to see you there!

05/06/2026

As soon as your baby is born, they are able to begin conversations with you.

By picking up on their cues and responding, you will help their brain development. Think of it like a game of tennis - serve and return.

When your baby responds, respond back. Moments of connection release those feel-good hormones so your baby feels loved and understood.

Find out more in this video https://youtu.be/-ThuCBtFGxc

Long before they can talk, your baby begins conversations with you....

04/06/2026

🥀We are deeply saddened by the news that three Royal Navy personnel lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise this week.🥀

Our thoughts are with their families, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic incident.

Service families are an important part of our communities across Blackmore Vale and the wider South West. Behind every member of the Armed Forces are loved ones who share the challenges, sacrifices and uncertainties that military life can bring.

At this difficult time, we stand alongside those who are grieving and send our heartfelt condolences to everyone connected to the Royal Navy community.

If this news has affected you, support is available. You can contact organisations including the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, the Samaritans, or your GP for emotional support and guidance

03/06/2026

We are here for ALL families, this Pride month and beyond, always 💜🌈

Image description: Pride flag background with text that reads 'Celebrating Pride Month', a colourful Home-Start logo sits in a white heart in the bottom right corner.