Home-Start Southports volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families under stress in their own homes to prevent family crisis and breakdown. Home-Start Southport & Formby began in 2001 and helps families in the Southport and Formby area deal with whatever life has thrown at them. We help families and mothers facing such challenges as post-natal depression, anxiety and other post-natal illnesses, with the emotional and physical demands of twins or triplets to those dealing with the death of a loved one. Our volunteers also support parents dealing with their child’s illness, or going through relationship breakdowns. The five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development. What goes on inside a family during these years strongly determines the opportunities and life chances children have. Children who are raised in a stable, loving, family environment are more likely to have a positive and healthy future. But being a parent isn’t easy and sometimes life can get in the way. Circumstances throw you off course and everything else can take a back seat. A young child caught up in this can miss out on the love, routine and stimulation that are so vital for their future. They understand how hard it can be. They work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, time and strength they need to nurture their children. Our volunteers visit the family’s home for a couple of hours every week. They tailor-make their support to the needs of the parents and children. Volunteers are very committed and will keep visiting until the youngest child turns five or starts school, or until the parents feel they can stand on their own two feet. Parents and volunteers often develop a deeply trusting relationship which can lead to powerful change within the family. Our family group connects lonely, struggling mother’s who are isolated in the community, with no family nearby with others. It has become a vital break in the week for many mothers, as their children are cared for by our volunteers and play leader, they are able to enjoy time with other mum’s, and a programme of activities designed to provide ways of coping with anxiety, beating depression, learning life skills and varied parenting skills. Kelly*, mother of twins & current home start Mum says “I honestly don’t know where I would be without HomeStart, I don’t think I could have got through twins & post-natal depression, I wouldn’t be here without them” “I have been on such a personal journey with my volunteer, I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without her, or HomeStart” says Jane*, divorced mother of 1. HomeStart Southport has been receiving Lottery funding, but it unfortunately ends this summer. We are now working hard, as are all our Mums to raise the funds to keep this vital service going, and for us to continue making sure families and children in Southport receive all the support and friendship they need
