What Families Say
Find out what parents are saying about Home-Start Chichester & District
Having Claire to talk to was so lovely. She would listen without judgement and was able to hear me, validate me but not try to rescue me or solve my problems. I just needed a kind ear and face to be there so I could off load all the junk that was happening from the big stuff to the really little stuff without fear of being judged or criticised.
This really is a great and much needed service and over the years I have discovered that I am not in a minority of mums having a tough time emotionally, physically, practically or mentally, but actually so many of us struggle as we transition into motherhood, I share the work of Home-Start not just in terms of people using their services but I also encourage people to find out about becoming a volunteer themselves.
I would love to become a volunteer for Home-Start when I am in a position to commit that time.
Helped hugely! I was expecting twins and was totally overwhelmed by it all so having an extra pair of hands was such a relief.
Helped by giving them one-one with either herself or me with the other child, and as they’ve grown given them confidence to try things.
A huge amount was my mental health. We talked loads about my situation and allowed me to totally be myself without judgement. Obviously some of their time was also playing with the children.
I previously lost a child and was extremely worried about these two. I had fears that a lot of people wouldn’t have understood but my volunteer was totally in tune with my situation and was such a help with helping me come to terms with enjoying ‘healthy children’ and not feel guilty about it.
We love having Anna come around once a week and wish it was more often.
She is so friendly and helpful with the children and I don’t know what I would do without her. She helps me get jobs down in the house and has helped me gain confidence to go out. My son loves her coming with her puzzles and he gets upset when she leaves, and all week he asks “is Anna coming tomorrow?” He is going to miss her so much when he starts school in September.
My daughter loves Anna too and when she is not here and sees bananas she says “Anna banana!” as Anna always brings bananas for snack time.
My older girls cannot wait to spend time in the summer holidays with Anna.
She is a great person, she is great with the children and she is always there when I need someone to talk to and gives good advice.
It helped me SO much.
My son was very small at the time and his cerebral palsy meant things were a bit tricky in terms of never being able to leave him on his own – not even for a minute – or even put him down. Without any immediate family to help me, Home-Start provided me sanity.
The regularity of a volunteer each week meant that I could play much needed catch up! Those two hours of support were beyond words, the best thing I could’ve wished for at the time. The volunteer became a friend I could share my stresses with – again, this was a lifeline.
