Home-Start WeyWater

Families are usually referred to us by Health Visitors and Social Workers. Other referrals come from various health-care workers (midwives, paediatricians, child and family therapists) and from voluntary organisations (Relate, Stepfamily, Gingerbread or playgroups). Referrals are also made by counselling services, and churches. Increasingly, families themselves are contacting Home-Start but anyone may make a referral, having first obtained family permission.

What happens next?
A co-ordinators visits the family to discuss what difficulties exist before the most suitable volunteer is introduced to offer support, friendship and practical help. The co-ordinator remains in contact to review progress.

For how long is Home-Start usually involved?
Some families need to be visited for only a few months, others need longer contact. As long as there is a need and at least one child under five we are happy to remain involved.

What about confidentiality?
Privacy and respect are essential. A volunteer will not divulge anything that a family discusses on a personal level except possibly with the co-ordinator. Only if there is concern about the welfare of children would confidentiality ever be breached.

How To Refer

Referrals come from many sources including Health Visitors, Social Workers, other voluntary organisations, counselling services, churches and increasingly from families themselves.