Virtual Support
As part of our committed programme to support families virtually, we have created these short animations. If you have any questions about relating to these topics, or would like some more support, please get in touch. If you live in Slough or Burnham, please contact our Slough office: office@homestartberkshireeast.org.uk or 01753 572958. If you live in Windsor or Maidenhead, please contact our Windsor office: windsoroffice@homestartberkshireeast.org.uk or 0300 8001005.
How to get help from
Home-Start Berkshire East
Referral Form
Support from Home-Start
Our volunteers who provide telephone support have completed Home-Start training, and are committed to helping and assisting, listening and caring and will be in touch every week to offer advice and guidance in these challenging times.
Maybe you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to who won’t judge you? Perhaps you need someone to play with or read to your children? Maybe you need a bit of support to keep a medical appointment?
Whatever the reason, your volunteer will be able to offer emotional and practical support to help you find ways to manage and resolve problems. These could include:
- Getting to appointments
- Establishing routines
- Accessing benefits, grants and financial support
- Using local services or specialist support
- Getting involved with your local community
- Encouraging play and reading with your children
- Listening to your worries, concerns and hopes for your family
- Offering a shoulder to cry on
- Sharing experiences of parenting and family life
- Being there because they want to be – not because someone has sent them
- Giving you a break
- Offering advice if you ask for it
- Providing support, friendship and encouragement.
We have also developed a fantastic variety of online activities, for mums, dads and children. These range from relaxing Zen Drawing sessions to whole family Story Reading and Magic shows, Baby Massage, Cook-a-Longs and so much more, and they are all FREE to join! Get in touch now to join in.
Our volunteers are all parents themselves and have been specially trained to offer tailor-made support for as long as needed. Criminal records checked are made before anyone can become a full volunteer and carefully matched with a family.
How to get help
There is no rulebook for raising a family and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, particularly if your family is going through a difficult time.
Perhaps you are struggling to cope with postnatal depression, family breakdown or bereavement, or you feel isolated and unable to connect with your local community?
Whatever the reason, Home-Start Slough provides non-judgemental, practical and emotional support to help build your family’s confidence and ability to cope.
By getting the support you need when you need it, your day-to-day family life and your children’s future will be so much brighter.
If you ask for Home-Start’s help, you can be sure of total confidentiality. There is no stigma attached to asking for our support – in fact, 10 per cent of families self refer themselves.
If you would like our support or know of somebody who would, please contact us.
Groups
Family Support Groups
Home-Start Berkshire East runs a weekly family support group which is now in its twentieth year. The group, which meets weekly at our Church Street office in Slough, is an additional service for families who are already being supported by Home-Start. In particular, isolated mums who may not have the confidence to go along to their local playgroup or mother and toddler group alone.
Nearly 80 families and 160 children have benefited from this service in the last year.
What the group offers:
- a safe and welcoming environment
- transport to and from the group
- supervised children’s play with toys and games
- a healthy snack for the children and a soft drink for the parent
- discussion and demonstration of parenting skills
- an opportunity for parents to talk to volunteers, staff & parents
- signposting to other facilities
- outings for families.
BABY & ME GROUP
Join the Baby and Me group, designed for parents and their babies aged 0-18 months.
This relaxed and friendly group is perfect for parents who feel isolated and/or experience low moods. Engage in floor play and activities with your babies to stimulate their senses and help develop their skills. You can also enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and chat with other parents in your local community. Connecting with other parents is a great way to make new friends and learn valuable parenting tips.
Monday’s 11am-12.30 pm
Home-Start, 29 Church Street, Slough, SL1 1PL
Complete the referral form link to sign up.
