: : Welcome To Home-Start Sheffield

"The Home-Start programme is a real success, helping parents who find it difficult to
cope with problems life throws at them. This service supports children in their early years, helping families lead full lives and play an active role in their community. I was delighted to be able to meet volunteers and families who have been helped by Home-Start; all agreed it is making a real difference."

Meg Munn MP

“I was very impressed by the common sense and practical way Home-Start addresses some of the most difficult family and social problems in Sheffield. The high-level
expertise of the mainly volunteer staff is supported by top-quality training that allows
this service to make a real impact in Sheffield homes and communities, said Helen Jackson following her appointment as President.”

Helen Jackson

“Families are the corner stone of our society. It is important that they get the support they need. Home-Start Sheffield offers that support.I was delighted when Home Start asked me to be their Patron, helping them reach out to families throughout Sheffield.At some point in our life we all need support and help, this is especially true for families with young children, the advice Home Start can offer to these families can make all the difference in helping them through difficult periods.
I wish Home Start all the success in the world."

Angela Smith MP

Home-Start believes that parents play the key role in ensuring children have a happy and secure childhood, but even the most dedicated parents can face challenges that prevent them doing all they want for their children. This is why Home-Start supports parents to give their children the best 'start' in life - at Home.

Through our partnerships with various agencies in the city, grants and donations from trusts, and foundations and national grant giving bodies we are able to offer a range of support to families which focuses on their needs. This may be one to one home-visiting, group work, or parenting courses.

In the words of PARENTS...

“Before I went to my group I felt lonely and sad. I didn't know anyone in my area. Now I know lots of people and have friends. I don't feel lonely. My child has good communication skills at only 10 months.”

Teri

“I met a lot more people and came out of myself. I also felt a lot braver, I now have a job in a shop which is cool as I
would have not if it wasn't for everybody.”

Debra

“My volunteer was an amazing person, and I was able to confide in her about all my fears and thoughts. She made me realise that I am a good mum and that my kids love me very much.”

Carol

“I met a lot more people and came out of myself, I also felt a lot braver, I now have a job in a shop which is cool as I
would not if it wasn't for everybody.”

Debra, Home-Start family

“For me the contribution of my volunteer is invaluable, she was helping me to cope with the new baby situation in my life, very far away from my family. I felt very supported by her advice and help all the time. I thinks she's my sister in England.”

Normalicia

“The volunteer that visits us at home is a warm, friendly individual and I found it really easy to discuss my problems and any anxieties I had about my disabled child. She helped me discuss many issues and even went out of her way to get me relevant information.”

Nasim

“I have Agoraphobia and my volunteer helps me to try and go out each week. I call her my bit of freedom. She never forces me to go out but helps support me and I feel safe with her and more able to try and tackle places I would normally avoid.”

Sharron

“My volunteer plays with my son while I rest or get on with housework. He receives excellent 1:1 attention and I feel more relaxed. I look forward to her coming..”

Jeanette, Home-Start family

Our volunteers come from all walks of life from teenage mothers who help other young mums to Grandparents.

Their friendliness and caring attitude are essential as well as their understanding of the pressures of being a parent.

Volunteering for Home-Start Sheffield is a Win Win situation:

In the words of VOLUNTEERS...

“It has given me a purpose and great reward in helping young families during a difficult time and watching them become strong enough not to need me. It has also been a privilege to be accepted as part of the family by children and mums for that important time.”

Gwen

“Being a volunteer with Home-Start has enabled me to meet lots of lovely families and be part of their lives. This was wonderful for me as it came at a time when my children were growing up and becoming independent and it was nice to
feel needed.. Home-Start is like a big family, it is very welcoming and makes you feel an integral part of the organisation.”

“Home-Start has offered me friendship, it has enabled me to be part of a team all working towards supporting families: I value the friendship and acceptance from the families I have met.”

Mike

Home-Start Sheffield supports parents to give their children the best start in life.By supporting them to
ensure their children are:

- Healthy
- Stay Safe
- Enjoy and achieve through learning

- Make a positive contribution to society
- Achieve economic well-being.

It is, therefore, crucial if we are to assess the effectiveness of our service, that we consult with the children we support to ensure that we are making a difference to their lives.

Over the past two years we have started to develop ways in which we can listen to children and understand the impact that Home-Start has. This is not an easy task as the majority of the children we support are under the age of five!

However, children's words and pictures truly bring our work to life, so we will continue to look for news ways
to obtain their view.

Arizona who is 8 years old, likes to have fun in the park with her volunteer and have a cuddle.

Sam and Ben, who are 4 and 2 years old, like playing on the swings with their volunteer.

All agencies refer to Home-Start Sheffield, e.g. Health Visitors, Social Workers, Sure Start, Midwives, Family Support Workers and other Voluntary Sector Organisations. We also take self-referrals.

In the words of REFERRERS...

"I am writing to thank you and your volunteers for the support they have given to the mother of a baby with cerebral palsy and the mother of twins with eczema. They have both found the project volunteers helpful and both have felt more able to cope in difficult situations. This has not just been practical help but having someone to listen."

"My assessment is that both these families would have experienced further mental health and social difficulties without your organisation`s involvement."

Health Visitor

“My impression of Home-Start is an organisation that is efficiently run, gives a good service and works well with other agencies.”

"I would like to take this opportunity, to thank you for the wonderful volunteers you have provided for several of my families. The difference it has made for these families is im-measurable, the volunteers that are working with my family have been well placed and are fitting in as one of the family."

Home-Visitor/Nursery Nurse

“Our aim within the Health Service is to support a strategy that offers a whole range and choice of support for local families, that works alongside and complements services provided by our own workers. Families in our Local Communities tell us again and again that what they need above all is to be able to access support before issues get worse. They also want to be part of the solution to their own problems. Home-Start enables both of these things to happen and in addition supports local parents in gaining the confidence to progress into new areas of work through training and employment. "

Jill Lancaster, Health Improvement Manager