Homestart provides support, friendship and practical help to families with at least 1 child under 5. Families are struggling to cope with day to day life because of overwhelming difficulties which include loneliness and isolation, illness, poor mental health, bereavement, relationship breakdown, lone parenting, lack of parenting skills or chaotic lifestyle. These difficulties make it hard for parents to do their best for their children.
The grant from Community Link Foundation will be used for a Person-centred Counselling Service
Annie Ives from Homestart said “We believe that the process of sharing anxieties, hopes and fears can help a person. Counselling is available for families referred to Home-Start. The counsellor will offer time and space to work through difficulties with trust and confidentiality. Families say they feel more in control of their lives”
One parent said, “The counsellor really helped me deal with issues from my past and was non-judgemental.”