Interview Spotlight- Homestart Cymru
Every month we spotlight amazing organisations in Wales that are doing great things in the community. This month we are interviewing Homestart Cymru including what services they offer, their Rainbow Volunteer programme and how they have expanded to reach families during the course of the pandemic.
Tell us about Homestart Cymru?
Home Start Cymru is a family support charity who helps to give children the best possible start in life.
We support parents as they grow in confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen their links with the local community.
What services do you offer?
Home-Start Cymru offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in the local community.
Anyone can contact us direct for support or be refer by a professional by contacting info@homestartcymru.org.uk
Tell us about how you have expanded to reach families during the course of the pandemic?
Whilst visiting families at home is the traditional Home-Start Cymru approach, due to COVID-19, our Volunteers will be asked to support a family through weekly telephone/video calls.
Volunteers offer a realistic, flexible response and a caring attitude rather than a clearly defined method of working.
Home-Start Cymru successfully moved to remote support for existing families during the Global pandemic and this vital work has continued unaffected since and we continue to receive new referrals into existing projects.
The Rainbow Volunteer Project sounds amazing, can you tell us more about that?
By sharing their time and friendship volunteers offer families opportunities to develop new relationships, fresh ideas, and enhanced skills and capabilities. Families can gain the confidence to take advantage of other resources in the community.
The work of the volunteer requires a high level of commitment and reliability and will be regularly supported by Home-Start Cymru.
In these times of continued uncertainty, we are seeing increased level of need amongst existing families. There is increased demand for our services in the wider community, and we know families who may not ordinarily need Home-Start Cymru services are looking for reassurance and emotional support at this difficult time.
What would be your advice for families that are struggling?
Parenting is not easy. You are not alone. Please get in touch, we can offer support. We want to enable families to share anxieties and challenges of parenting. We can provide a support network and trained volunteers come from many different backgrounds.
Where can people find you and what are your social media links?
Telephone, Email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – use below icons to be directed to links
Email: info@homestartcymru.org.uk
Twitter: @homestartcymru
Facebook: @hscymru