Testimonials from the professionals
"It is a delight to have Home-Start Babergh as members of Young Suffolk. On attending last year's AGM It was great to hear and see the success stories that were shared from those who have benefited from the service provided. Hearing and seeing the difference this type of support has made to both individuals and families just reiterates how worthwhile this work is, and how the staff at Home-Start Babergh have contributed to making a real impact on local families in need of support". - Baz Wilkinson, Southern Area Co-ordinator, Young Suffolk.
"As the Cluster Development Co-ordinator for Sudbury and Great Cornard, I lead on the development of multi agency responses to families with needs that require support, possibly from several services at the same time. I have contact with a large number of agencies supporting children and families and I never hear anything but high praise for the work that Home-Start does. They provide invaluable help in all sorts of different ways to families who are struggling to cope. They are always friendly and helpful to work with and keen to cooperate where necessary with other services that may need to be involved. I realise that we are extremely lucky to have the service in this area". - Sally O'Leary, Cluster Development Co-ordinator, Sudbury and Great Cornard.
"I have been working with Home-Start Babergh for 5 years, during this time we have been working together to enhance the support of families across the Sudbury cluster. This has included Home-Start Babergh attending well-being events and conferences to support families locally. I have also been involved with the volunteers and I have a run training session on how funding can support families in the area. I have also supported day trips through the activities for all funding which has enabled families from across Babergh to access a free day out. This will be supported again this year." - Ann-Marie Childs, Extended Schools, Sudbury.
"Babergh District Council is happy to have been able to support Home- Start again this year. We have always had a good working relationship with Home Start and are impressed with the quality of service and the professionalism of both staff and volunteers. The few hours a week given by each of the many volunteers makes a significant difference to the lives of the families supported by Home Start as it helps build parental confidence and enduring friendships between the families and volunteers." - Chris Foti, Head of Community Development, Babergh District Council.
"Home-start Babergh are a key voluntary agency in the South Suffolk area. As a health visiting team we have worked very successfully in partnership with Home-Start for many years in order to deliver high quality effective interventions to highly vulnerable families in the area. The rurality of this area means that statutory agencies at times, provide little outreach support. Home-Start has been pivotal in filling a much needed gap in service provision delivered in a way which is very acceptable and much needed. Home-start ensures that all volunteers are prepared to an exceptionally high standard. This means that volunteers have very effective relationships with the families that they support. It is so beneficial to see the positive effect that this input has on families. Befriending, helping with tasks, support with debt management and paying bills, playing with children and showing parents how to play effectively with their children - these are just some examples of the ways in which volunteers provide support. The Home-Start staff undertake very effective assessment work following all referrals. This further supports the appropriate placement of volunteers. Boundaries are always clear due to the excellent preparation work. Families value their volunteer and as a health visitor it is clear that following contact with Home-Start families become more confident and able to reach out to the local community and develop local networks. We look forward to another year of positive engagement with Home-Start to the benefit of local families in need." - Hadleigh Health Visiting Team.