The aim of Homestart is to stand beside families with young children when life feels overwhelming, whether that is loneliness, mental health struggles, physical health issues, or simply the daily pressures of family life.
A wide range of support is offered to families, from one-to-one sessions, group activities, events and much more.
Ellie Harrison, Chief Executive of Homestart Cheshire and Warrington, said: “There’s a lot more understanding now about the first 1,001 days, and how our early childhood shapes our adult outcomes.
“Everything we do is all about supporting those babbies, toddlers and children to get the best outcomes at the earliest opportunity.
“I think we’re seen as a trusted presence in the community, and many people self-refer to us as they hear about and see what we do in the community.
“Being a social worker is such a tough job. I want to do everything I can to destigmatise and show that statutory services are amazing and there to help, but equally we want to be there before people get to those services.
“We want to be there for what could be a small challenge before it becomes a bigger challenge, helping that family in whatever way we can and meeting them where they’re at.”
Alexis Draper, Senior Family Support Coordinator, added: “The reason why we do what we do is because people out there are struggling, which is never a great thought, but it’s positive when we see those changes happening for the families and how we’ve really turned corners with them.”
Homestart, alongside almost 50 other community sector organisations, are part of Cheshire West Voluntary Action’s (CWVA) Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Alliance.
The aim of the CYPF Alliance is to connect community sector organisations working in this area to form a collective voice, as well as offering a key point of contact for partners in the public sector at the same time.
On being part of the CYPF Alliance, Ellie Harrison added: “It’s so important for our families because, if we don’t know what’s out there, how can they know what’s out there?
“It’s really important that we build those relationships with our colleagues across the sector so, if we aren’t the right organisation for people, we know we can connect them to other organisations to get the support they need.
“The CYPF Alliance is great for networking, connecting with statutory organisations and looking at partnerships for getting funding together.”
Alongside fellow CYPF Alliance member Koala North West, Homestart is currently leading a Thriving Families project in Cheshire West, funded by the Council and Cheshire Community Foundation.
Thriving Families offers practical, friendly support for parents and families on a one-to-one basis in the home, tailored to a family’s unique needs whether it’s parenting support, mental wellbeing, or building stronger family relationships.
Community sector organisations providing services in this area are welcome to join the CYPF Alliance. Get in touch with Clare Crerand, Strategic Lead for CYPF: clare.crerand@cwva.org.uk.
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