Home-Start Norwich, which has been operating for 15 years, has secured funding to launch its service into Broadland, concentrating mainly on the areas serviced by the Aylsham & Reepham Children’s Centre, which includes Cawston, Bawdeswell and Foulsham.
 
Home-Start has a network of 288 independent schemes across England. It supports families that have at least one child under the age of five, visiting them in their own homes every week to offer emotional and practical help.
 
"All kinds of families find it hard to cope for various reasons, maybe owing to an illness or disability, loneliness or postnatal depression, or have multiple young children and need an extra pair of hands," explained North Norfolk co-ordinator Emma Thompson, who lives in Reepham.
 
Home-Start helps with meal planning, managing behaviour, budgeting, building parent’s confidence, playing with young children and accessing services and activities, as well as providing constant emotional support. It gets involved when families need extra support to manage daily life.
 
Family support is provided by parent/grandparent volunteers who come from all walks of life. Only parental experience is required; no other qualifications are needed. Volunteers do, however, need to be available to attend a training course and be willing to give 2-3 hours a week to support a family.
 
The next free training course starts on 22 September and is being held at the Aylsham & Reepham Children’s Centre, The Pavilion, Sir Williams Lane, Aylsham, on Thursdays from 9.30 am – 2.30 pm (term time only) for nine weeks. Expenses will be reimbursed.
 
For more information, volunteers in the Broadland area can contact Emma Thompson (07342 886053 or email) or the Norwich office (01603 616400), or come for a coffee and a chat at the Aylsham & Reepham Children’s Centre on Thursday 15 September from 9.30 – 11.30 am.
 
“Volunteering is a great way to ‘give something back’ to the community, as well as being an ideal addition to any CV or as a stepping stone back into work, especially for someone looking for employment in the childcare or social care arena,” Ms Thompson said.
 
Home-Start offers ongoing training in relevant areas and constant support to volunteers through their co-ordinator.
 
Some comments from existing Home-Start volunteers:

• “The preparation course was really well planned and delivered with real commitment. It was inspiring to meet and work with passionate individuals who had seen the difference we as volunteers could make.”
• “Although I have only been involved with my family for a short time, I am so pleased I decided to take on this role. The mum thanked me this week and said how lucky she was that I had decided to get involved when I did.”