HSK support families across Cornwall with young children to reduce isolation and loneliness, improve their mental health and empower them to create their own support networks. We help families to grow in confidence, build friendships and create connections to ensure their children have the best upbringing.
For some families life is really tough, facing physical disability, domestic violence, poverty, and we are there to walk alongside all of these families for as long as they need. Specially trained volunteers are 'matched' with these families to provide one to one support in the family home, to ease loneliness, provide a listening ear, offer practical support such as help with benefit claims or working on a task together - whatever the problem that is making parenting harder Home-Start Kernow are there.
Alongside this specialist one to one support, we also offer over 20 groups across the county, from postnatal groups to offer help in the very early stages of parenthood right through to preschool aged groups, where toddlers can run riot and let off steam while parents have a catch up, cuppa and have access to services and support that they may require.
We are aiming to help more families across Cornwall and raise enough to offer 100 hours of support to a family or families in need, costing £2000.
96% of families who receive help from Home-Start Kernow report better mental health and a reduction in isolation.
"I am just so grateful to Home-Start for my volunteer and everything she has done for us. She is fantastic and her time, love, knowledge and care have absolutely changed mine and my children's lives. She gives me time to breathe...life just looks brighter."