Families across Greater Manchester were in the national spotlight this week as Home-Start HOST appeared on BBC Morning Live as part of Comic Relief week, helping raise awareness of the importance of support for parents during the early years.
The programme featured Home-Start HOST Family Support Coordinator, Wesley Claridge, and our volunteer, Ben, who joined the actor, James Bye, to discuss the impact of infant loss and the importance of support for fathers.
Ben shared his personal experience of baby loss and how our Dad Matters initiative helped him during an incredibly difficult time. Today, Ben volunteers with Home-Start, supporting other dads across Greater Manchester who may be facing similar challenges, helping ensure fathers feel less alone and more able to talk openly about their experiences.
Supporting dads and families across Greater Manchester
While the interview focused on fathers and the work of Dad Matters, the feature highlighted the wider support Home Start HOST provides.
Home-Start HOST CEO, Sarah Cook, who also appeared on the programme, said:
“Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, particularly when families are facing loss, isolation or other pressures. For twenty years I’ve seen first-hand the difference that compassionate support can make to families. Our volunteers provide practical and emotional help when it’s needed most.”
This month marks Sarah’s 20th anniversary with Home-Start, reflecting two decades of leadership supporting families across communities in Greater Manchester.
Home-Start HOST helps families with young children flourish during the years of early childhood, supporting parents who may be facing challenges such as isolation, mental health difficulties, financial pressures or the impact of loss.
Our work is made possible through our partnerships with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local councils and NHS Health Teams, and our network of trained volunteers and specialist programmes such as our infant feeding support, and our 8-week early learning programme, Play, Learn, Grow.
Get involved and support local families
We are currently looking for people who want to help strengthen families locally. There are many ways to get involved, including:
💜 Become a family support volunteer
🏃 Join Team Home-Start for the Great Manchester Run
📖 Help us spread the joy of reading and ‘Sponsor a Bookshelf
Whttps://home-starthost.org.uk/family-support-volunteering/e also offer Corporate Volunteering Days at our Baby Bank, giving businesses the chance to support families with young children while enjoying a hands-on, team-building experience.
If you would like further information on any of our programmes or ways to get involved, please contact: info@homestarthost.org.uk