FAQs

We support all kinds of different families with children of 9 or under, who reside in Royston, Buntingford and surrounding villages, and within the SG8 postcode area of South Cambridgeshire.

This includes people in all financial situations (no-one is means tested prior to support).

We work alongside families going through a wide range of difficulties – in fact it’s impossible to list all the issues affecting the families we support. So, here are just some of the issues we can help with:

• Mental Ill health or post-natal depression
• Physical illness or disability
• Feelings of isolation
• The End of a Relationship
• Multiple children of different ages
• Bereavement

• Single parents (women or men)
• Married and unmarried couples (of any gender)
• Grandparents caring for grandchildren
• Step parents
• Adoptive parents
• Families in the armed forces
• Families with a parent in prison
• Families where social care or other agencies are also involved

I have days when I can’t cope well, but some days I’m ok. I’m not sure my situation is bad enough to justify having a volunteer to help me. What should I do?
Please call us on 01763 262262 and talk in confidence to one of our Home-Start co-ordinators.

I’ve been referred to Home-Start by my health visitor. What happens next?
We will make arrangements with you for one of our co-ordinators to visit you to talk about what help you need and to see if the Home-Start service can help you.

I’m worried about having a stranger visit me to help me. What are the volunteers like?
We try really hard to find the ‘right’ volunteer for you. They are all friendly and caring people, selected for their warmth and understanding. We take up references and a Disclosure and Barring check and they undertake a 40-hour induction course – all to prepare them for meeting and supporting you.

What if I change my mind about being supported?

We work with you at your invitation and you are under no obligation. We will discuss the situation fully with you and your referrer, but the choice is entirely yours.

How long can I keep my volunteer?

The co-ordinator will review your needs on a regular basis and work towards an agreed closure. This happens for most families we support within 6 – 9 months.

Will I have to pay for support?

Our support is completely free. You will not have to pay for your support. We are a charity and raise funds to be able to support parents and children.