can anyone tell me about HomeStart?

[MamaChris]

We have one toddler, and are expecting twins. Everyone tells us "you will need help!". Was thinking about trying HomeStart - at least getting in touch, asking whether we are the kind of family they could help. But, we're not really sure what it is anyone could do. I foresee problems with ds wanting my time at the same time as both babies need a feed, but in that situation, what, really, can anyone else do to help?

If you have had help from HomeStart, what did they actually do?

I work for homestart.

The will be able to help you. What they will do is come out and meet you, have a chat about what you could use a hand with and what your like and then match you with a sutiable volunteer.

This volunteer will then visit you regulary, usually weekly for 2/3 hours. They are not cooks/cleaners/childminders. But they will help you with these things if you wish, or play with the children while you do things. They can also help you run errands, go with you to groups, talk with you.basically be a friend who visits you weekly.

Its rather fantastic really... i wish i a home start volunteer for myself!

im a volunteer

can't really expand on what Schmon has said. but if i were given you as my family i guess we would try and get you out of the house as that will be difficult at first. help watch the babies (hardship that would be) so that you could spend some quality time with DS.

We would also encourage you to join a multiple births group so that you could access friends in a similar situation. my homestart runs its own but most towns will have one.

definitly get in touch.

I don;t know much about homestart, but my aunt is very involved with TAMBA, (twins and multiple births association), and I'd suggest looking them up for help and advice - I think they have local groups, a helpline etc.