Homestart

[Myusername19]

Who are the homestart mums and tots groups aimed at? Are they for mums that are struggling or can anyone go?

Anyone can go free with children under 5. If any one needs help and is struggling they have volunteers that are cbs checked and go through a training course. They come into the home and help the parents with their children. My Mum did this when she was a grandparent she helped 2 families. When one of them had their second child they requested that she continued with them.

I think it depends what you're looking at.

I was referred to one by my HV with DD2 when I had postnatal depression. That was for mums who were struggling - they had childminders in the room next door where you could leave the baby (but you didn't have to), and then there'd be like a support group for the mums.

But I think I'm right in saying they had more general ones.

Homestart wouldn't help me clean my house, or look after my baby. Indeed when I had my first visit the lady was letting my baby cry (in his bouncer) whilst I had a delivery. She sat on the couch and didn't engage with him.

I haven't been aware of any groups to be honest. She smelt so bad of spray and her feet of bo. ..so not a great experience

I was just told I could be meet at a baby group.... I had to make my own way there (I have no car).

I wasn't aware of any groups.

Different branches of Home Start have different services on offer, so you're best bet is to call them and ask. I worked for one where they had volunteer parenting mentors, counselling, parent and baby groups, and support for older children/teens too. Most don't have enough resources for more than the parenting mentor volunteers and group meet ups, though. You can self-refer, so I'd give them a call and ask what they can offer.