Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire is a voluntary home-visiting scheme, which supports families with at least one child under five in the Southern Oxfordshire area.
Family life with young children can be very difficult and stressful at times, and this is when it helps to have a friend to turn to.
Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. There is no rulebook for raising a family and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, particularly if your family is going through difficult times.
Home-Start volunteers are either parents, or have parenting experience. They attend a preparation course including child development, community resources, confidentiality, relationships, and safeguarding children.
Volunteers offer two to four hours a week, on a regular basis, to visit one or two families in their homes. They do not replace social workers or health visitors and are not connected to any other agency, although they are aware of services offered by them. Volunteers receive travel expenses only.