does anyone know about homestart?

[busybee123]

I have decided that it would make mine and my familys life easier if i got some help around the place. After a suggestion on another thread I wrote on, I was thinking about going through homestart? does anyone have any experience with this? I feel too ashamed to get a cleaner as the place is SUCH a mess!! I am here all day and cannot for the life of me work out why the hell I can't keep on top of everything!! I would imagine a cleaner would be too expensive for me anyway.

I know this thread has been quiet for a couple of days, but I have just found it... I am fascinated by it, as I moved to this area (Kent) just before DD was born, and didn't know many people. I had never heard of Homestart, and found the first few months really hard. I didn't go back to work, so was looking for something to do and found out about Homestart through our local volunteer bureau. As DD is so young, I didn't think I would be able to be a volunteer, but I have now become involved as a trustee and so it's fascinating to hear the needs that mums have and the support that Homestart provides in the different areas. I know our volunteers here (well, the ones I have met) are excellent at finding ways of helping people to get on top of things and I would love to know how those of you who are contacting Homestart get on. Good luck!

becca - have you been to a surestart centre? i'd really recommend them. the ones round here have loads going on. the cafes are really good and very cheap me and ds would have a really good lunch for £3. they run free courses for parents and provide free creches run by qualified play leaders. they also subsidise all sorts of things - i went to a homeopath and paid £5 a visit, normally it would have been £30.

when do you finish work?

I have been involved with both Homestart and Sure start and they are both great organisations. I had a Homestart volunteer when I left my exp and she was great. They will try to provide the service you need. I had counselling and ocassionally a break from the kids.
Sure Start provide a slightly less personal service, but are a great way to meet ather parents and get involved in community activities.
I couldn't recommend them highly enough!

My HV recommended me for Homestart but I still haven't heard from them yet. Thing is, at the time she referred me I could have really done with the support but now (I think) I'm doing a lot better.

However, I'm really dreading the summer holidays - I'm keeping it together at the moment because we're out every day, as soon as ds1's nursery closes for the summer everything else seems to close for under-4s too around here. If I'm not careful, I'm never going to leave the house for the 6 weeks or however long it is.

Think it's rather cheeky just to ask for Homestart support over the summer?!

Just realised this thread had replies...

Mummysurfer - Im not leaving work (yet) now, Ive cut my days down to two days a week of 9.30-2.30 term time only.

I couldnt find a homestart near me but found something local that seems very similar - its called Children Northeast and it is for families in need with kids under 8 - the woman is coming to mine tomorrow to talk to me about the course and everything Quite exciting and also quite nerve racking, I hope she thinks Ill be ok to do the course!!