Home-Visiting Support
We offer empathetic support for families when they need it most
About our Home-Visiting Support
Parenting young children is a rewarding journey, but it also comes with unique challenges. At Home-Start HOST, we understand that everyone can use a little support sometimes and that’s why, like all Home-Starts, we offer a weekly home visiting service delivered by trained volunteers. Our home-visiting volunteers visit families with children from conception to age 5 in their own home on a weekly basis for 2-3 hours to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support.
We work with families facing a wide range of challenges, including social isolation, mental health difficulties, disability, children (or parents) with additional needs, families affected by bereavement or financial hardship. This vital support helps to build the confidence of parents and engages families in widening their links and support networks in the local community. Volunteers support families around early interactions and relationships, focusing on well-being and helping parents to encourage their child’s learning and development.
Anyone can make a referral to us to request support for a family, and you can also request support for yourself & your family.
Supporting milestones
For families with toddlers or children preparing for nursery or school, we support parents to understand their child’s development and help them gain independence, skills, and confidence for the significant steps ahead.
PIMH support
We work with NHS Parent-Infant services to support parents & babies in the first 1001 days. Mental health difficulties and other pressures can affect early relationships, with lasting impact, so access to support is vital for families’ wellbeing.
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Multi-lingual support
Our Multilingual Support Team support families who may face language or cultural barriers to accessing services. Staff and volunteers with additional language skills work to address the unique needs of our diverse communities.
Building communities
We help parents grow their support networks and access local groups and services, bringing communities together.
Requesting support for you & your family
Home-Start support is completely free, confidential and non-judgemental. If you feel you could do with some extra support with parenting or to support your mental health, you can request this directly, or speak to your GP or Health Visitor about making a referral to Home-Start
Referral Criteria
- You must be a parent or guardian of at least one child under the age of five (under 2 in Glossop), who is living with you.
- You must be resident in Tameside, Oldham, Stockport, Bolton or Glossop (we can support families in Glossop with children under 2)
Parenting young children can be challenging, and may parents we support are facing additional pressures, including:
- Loneliness or isolation
- Multiple births (twins/triplets) or several children of pre-school age
- Ill health, disability or additional needs
- Bereavement or relationship problems
- Struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having young children
- Difficulties with children’s behaviour
- Lone parenting
How it works
Once we received your request for support, we’ll let you know we’ve got it, and place you on our waiting list. There may be a wait for support in some areas. As soon as possible, one of our Coordinators will contact you to discuss how we may be able to support you.
Making a referral for a family
Home-Start support is completely free, confidential and non-judgemental. If you feel a family you are supporting could do with some extra support with parenting or to support with mental health, you can make a referral to Home-Start. Click the button below to download our referral form, or telephone us on 0161 344 0669 if you have any queries.
You can send completed referrals to us by:
email: info@homestarthost.org.uk
or post: Home-Start HOST, Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, Audenshaw M34 5ZJ
Referral Criteria for Home-Visiting Support
- Families must have at least one child under the age of five (under 2 in Glossop and Bury)
- Families must be resident in Tameside, Oldham, Stockport, Bolton, Bury or Glossop (we can support families in Glossop & Bury with children under 2)
Parenting young children can be challenging, and may parents we support are facing additional pressures, including:
- Loneliness or isolation
- Multiple births (twins/triplets) or several children of pre-school age
- Ill health, disability or additional needs
- Bereavement or relationship problems
- Struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having young children
- Difficulties with children’s behaviour
- Lone parenting
How it works
Once we receive your referral we will add the family to our waiting list. Wait times do vary between area and project, so we will update you as to any possible wait when we acknowledge receipt of your referral. We will also write to the family to let them know we’ve received the referral.
Once we have capacity to offer support, we will contact the parent named on the referral to discuss how we may be able to help. We will keep you updated at all stages of our involvement with the family.
Referrals for other support
Please follow the links below for information about accessing support from our Peer Group Support, Play, Learn Grow, Dad Matters or Baby Bank services
Volunteering with our Home-Visiting service
Your commitment can help families navigate life’s challenges, fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
Our families are as diverse as the communities we serve. As a home-visiting volunteer, your role can be incredibly varied – from being a trusted friend who a parent can open up to, to supporting a parent with young children to access services and support in their community. Volunteers also support families by allowing parents headspace to enjoy positive early experiences with their children.
Your commitment of approximately 2-3 hours per week can make a real difference!
FAQ
What kind of families do you support through Home-Visiting?
What are the roles and responsibilities of home-visiting volunteers?
What is the Parent-Infant Mental Health Team, and how does it support families?
Volunteers provide guidance and encouragement to help them feel confident in navigating the challenges of parenting a new baby, fostering a secure and loving bond that lays the foundation for a positive future.
How does the Diversity Support Team address the unique needs of families?
How can I get involved in the Home-Visiting Volunteer Programme?
You can sign up directly or refer a family in need to the program.