Homestart CHAMS

Who we are

Home-Start volunteers help local families with young children deal with the challenges they face. We support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children. At the heart of our work is home visiting volunteer support. Children who are raised in a stable, loving, family environment are more likely to have a positive and healthy future.

Home-Start works because our volunteers are parents. They understand how hard it can be. They work alongside parents to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children. Last year we supported 436 children in 175 families across Crawley, Horsham & Mid-Sussex.

Our volunteers give practical and emotional support to parents to help them overcome the challenges they are facing and give their young children the best possible start in life. Families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues receive the support of a volunteer who will spend around two hours a week in a family’s home supporting them in the ways they need.

The five years between birth and school are vital for a child’s development. What goes on inside a family strongly determines the opportunities and life chances children have. We also run weekly ‘Twiglets’ groups, for families with multiple birth children under the age of 4 to come together and participate in planned activities and free play.