Home-Start Kirklees Telephone Befriending Service

The support Home-Start volunteers give is non-judgemental, compassionate and confidential. We work with families to build on their strengths and give them the help that they tell us that they need. Our volunteers work to support parents with weekly check in telephone calls offering advice to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children.

 The support we offer is as individual as the families themselves.   Home Start volunteers will call a family at a time that is convenient to them.  They will give their time on weekly basis for as long as their support is required.

“Home-Start raises self-confidence, improves social networks, reduces difficult behaviour on the part of the child and improves mental and physical health”

Eligibility criteria is that the family live in Kirklees and have a child under 5 years not yet in full-time education (or expecting a baby and are post 20 weeks in pregnancy). Child must reside with them or have regular contact with the child in their own home.

Families must live in Kirklees and have a least one pre school aged child.  Families must also consent to having support. 

Families can complete the referral form on our website  https://homestart-kirklees.org.uk/  or can self-refer over the telephone.  They can also contact their Locala Health visiting service and ask for them to make a referral. 

Upon receipt of a referral you will be contacted in order to organise an initial visit where we will talk to you about your needs.