Home-Start Runnymede and Woking

There for parents when they need us most...
Because childhood can't wait

Are you a Parent in need of Support?

Help for Families

There is no rulebook for raising a family and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, particularly if your family is going through difficult times. Parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young but don’t always have friends or family available locally to provide it.

If you get the support you need when you need it, then day-to-day family life and your children’s future will be much better. This is where Home-Start and one of our volunteers can help…….

Do you ever feel like this?

Isolated in your community, unable to get out and about, with no family nearby and struggling to make friends?
Suffering with post-natal illness but finding it hard to talk to anyone about it?
Having a hard time coping with either your own or your child’s illness or disability?
Overwhelmed by the death of a loved one, or separation, or divorce?
Struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having twins, triplets or more?
Struggling to cope with behavioural issues?
Tired, unhappy and exhausted?

….or any similar problems.

Perinatal Support
Our team of trained volunteers can support you with your new baby in the early weeks and months. For more information or to request support please contact Suzi, our Perinatal Co-ordinator (susannah@homestartraw.org)
Perinatal Project Flyer

Volunteers at Home-Start Runnymede & Woking can help by visiting you every week to give help and support where you need it most.

School Readiness
Either 1:1 in the home or in group sessions. Helping you and your child prepare for the transition to Big school! To find out more or to refer yourself please contact one of our School Readiness Co-ordinators, Claire and Louisa (claire@homestartraw.org or louisa@homestartraw.org)

If you are a parent with at least one child under the age of five then we may be able to help you. Find out what parents have said about us on our Testimonials Page.

What Home Visiting Volunteers DO

Visit the family regularly, usually once a week for a couple of hours.
Reassure parents that difficulties they experience are not unique to them.
Encourage parents to use local resources
Encourage parents, by highlighting the positive aspects of their parenting.
Play with children – to help stimulate children, or to give the parent some space and time for themselves
Help the family get out – perhaps to keep appointments, shopping or taking family to parks etc.
Volunteers can share their own parenting experiences and quite often they can be a listening ear.

Download a Family Leaflet

What Home Visiting Volunteers DON’T DO

Volunteers are not home helps
Volunteers are not babysitters

Home-Start can help you and your family

It’s free and confidential
We have nearly 30 years of experience
The same volunteer visits every week

How can I get Home-Start support?

A referral to us can be made on your behalf by your Health Visitor, a Family Centre, a school or nursery or a Social worker. You can also make a self referral, but please telephone us (01483 740367) first to discuss what you need and what we may be able to offer

GROUPS AND COURSES

We offer a range of groups and courses that run during the year.

Stay & Play: Byfleet Thursday Tots on a Thursday morning

All families with children under the age of 5 are welcome to attend this informal group with crafts, toys and singing time. There is a dedicated area for babies. Contact louisa@homestartraw.org to find out more or just come along on the day.

Postnatal Support Group

Time to relax, meet other new mums and discuss a weekly topic such as sleep, infant feeding, play and development. Hosted at Runnymede Family Centre by Suzi, our Perinatal Co-ordinator. To find out more or book a space please contact susannah@homestartraw.org.

Parenting Puzzle in Woking (not currently running)

A wonderful course to equip parents with the understanding, skills and ability to lead emotionally healthy lives, build resilience, empathy, self-esteem and support positive relationships. Families who have attended our courses have always found them very helpful. Run by Claire, one of our Family Support Workers, in partnership with Woking Family Centre. For more information or to book a space on our next course please contact claire@homestartraw.org.

Play and Learn Plus in Woking

Free sensory play and learning sessions for parents and carers of children with special education needs and disabilities. Run by Suzi, one of our Co-ordinators, in partnership with Woking Family Centre. Tuesday mornings 9.45am – 11.15am.