How Can We Help You?

The help and support we provide is available to parents or carers having at least one child aged up to five years, and in need of help, friendship, advice or support. This may be because of illness, family bereavement, post-natal illness, disability or relationship problems. You may be without friends or family to turn to or perhaps your partner is absent, for example, in the armed services and you may feel the need of a friend to turn to. Our help is free. Your doctor or health visitor can refer you to us, or you can contact us direct to discuss what we can do for you and your family.

How?

Family Group Family Group

Family Groups

We arrange Family Groups at various locations where Home-Start parents/carers and children can meet, chat with each other and with Home-Start staff.

The group is not an open group - it is only for Home-Start families.

For Parents

Everyone at the group is asked to respect confidentiality.

At the group, staff and volunteers are available to offer support, talk about any problems you may have and help generally. They can also help you to find out about other activities for your families in the area.

Occasionally speakers attend the group to talk about subjects of interest.

Parents are asked to help with the tea and coffee making and with welcoming new families. There is a small charge for refreshments.

The groups continue to run throughout the school holidays when older brothers and sisters can come along and join in the fun.

For Children

There are lots of toys to play with to suit all ages, that will stimulate and help with their development as well as being great fun.

We plan activities each week for the children. This can range from painting, glueing, planting, making hats, the list is endless. Parents are encouraged to share all the activities with their children.

Location - the groups meet at:

Salvation Army Hall, Duke Street, Hadleigh on Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am

The Phoenix Centre, Sudbury on Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.00am

Bannister Room, St Andrew's Church, Bures Road, Great Cornard on Thursdays 9.00am - 11.00am

Home Support

Family Group

Our Volunteers with parenting experience will visit regularly (usually once a week for a couple of hours) in the family's own home, and offer tailored and personal one to one support. This could include: