Home-Start Herts (HSH) provides early intervention support to vulnerable families, so that parents can offer children the best start in life. Families in Hertfordshire are struggling more than ever and need support before they breakdown and their children's wellbeing suffers.

Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Mental Health Mental Health
Beneficiaries

  • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
  • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)

Last year, HSH offered support to 264 families; we turned away 40% of referrals due lack of resources. Families had poor mental health (76%, risen from 69% in 2023) and felt isolated (56%). Families are referred with an average of 4-5 struggles affecting their family which are detrimentally effecting their children's wellbeing. Increasingly, these challenges are more complex; families require support for longer. Early intervention support is needed before they reach a crisis.

HSH builds stronger, more sustainable family units. Trained/skilled Volunteer Family Mentors offer emotional/practical support through 1:1 home visiting; 2-3 hours weekly, for up to 6-months (average). Family Groups offer a safe, non-judgemental space to receive support and integrate into local communities. Parents build confidence, learn to cope, bond with their children and build networks. Following support, families showed improvements in coping: feeling isolated (81%), mental health (71%).

Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Mental Health Mental Health
Beneficiaries

  • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
  • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)