FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed some frequently asked questions in the box below. To reveal the answer to an FAQ click on the title or the small + symbol on the row. The box will open to show you the details.
If you’ve been referred to Home-Start what happens next?
Your health visitor, midwife, support worker, or your child’s nursery, might have asked if you would like to be referred to Home-Start for support. If that’s the case, once we’ve received your referral form from them, one of the coordinators Beccy, Charlotte, Claire or Suzy will be in touch to arrange a time to get together with you, discuss your needs. They will talk through the options for support from Home-Start. Many families enjoy attending one of our family groups. For others, it’s important that they have support in their own home from a volunteer. It’s always your choice if you wish to receive Home-Start support.
What are the volunteers like?
It can feel worrying to have a stranger visit your home. All of our volunteers understand the challenges of life with young children and they have been fully trained. We carefully match them with you to try to ensure you have the right volunteer for you and your family. All our volunteers will also have undergone enhanced criminal records checks to ensure your child’s safety.
What will the volunteer actually do?
The volunteer will visit each week for about 1-2 hours and offer support and practical help. They will do whatever you would find most helpful, for example, help with shopping, appointments, trips to the park, library, parent and toddler groups – or they could stay at home and spend time with you and the children – like a good friend would.
What if I don’t like my volunteer?
We understand that everyone is different. If you don’t get on with your volunteer or you are unhappy with anything – just contact one of the Coordinators and chat things through with them to try to resolve the issue.
What if I change my mind?
That’s fine – just contact us to let us know. You can always come back to Home-Start at a later date.
Family Group
We have family groups in Midhurst, Chichester, Southbourne and East Wittering. Go to Family Groups to find out more!
How can I get support from Home-Start?
If you think Home-Start could help, why not find out more? You can refer yourself using our self-referral form.
if you would like to chat things through first, you call us on 01243 773477 or send us a message through our contact us page. We’ll be pleased to hear from you. If you do decide to ask for support one of our coordinators, Beccy, Charlotte, Claire or Suzy, will get in touch with you, talk about your needs and carefully match you with a volunteer.
