Phone us: 01865 779991

Home-Start Oxford, Blackbird Leys Youth and Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Road, Oxford OX4 6HW                  Company number 5375011  Charity number 1108612

Working together to support families in Oxford & Bicester

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Do you know someone who might need help?

Home-Start Oxford and Bicester offers home-visiting  for families where there is at least one child under the age of five. Befriending is offered at times of stress by volunteers who work towards increasing the confidence and independence of the parent through:

• Offering support, friendship and practical help to families.
• Visiting families in their own homes where difficulties exist and the individual´s dignity and identity can be respected.
• Developing a one-to-one relationship in which the volunteer offers time, flexibility of approach and understanding while maintaining confidentiality.
• Encouraging the parents´ strengths and emotional well-being in order that these may be transmitted to their children, thus enhancing their development.
• Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual, and emphasising the pleasure of family life.
• Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use community support and services effectively.

What sort of families can be referred?

Home-Start volunteers can help a wide variety of families including single parents, those living on a very low income, those who are materially comfortable but who have other difficulties, those experiencing isolation, lack of extended family, physical or mental health problems, child behavioural problems, multiple birth or several very young children, relationship difficulties or post-natal depression. The visiting may be short term to help at a particularly stressful time, or in other situations a volunteer will visit for as long as the family feel they need support, and for as long as they are able. Support is only given to families who agree to it. They are never expected, or made to feel obliged, to take up the support offered.

Who can refer a family to Home-Start?

Referrals can be made by any statutory or voluntary agency, but most come from Health Visitors and Social Workers. Families can also make contact with us themselves, or may be referred by a concerned family member or friend.

Contact us to find out more

Do you feel you need help?

“She is an amazing lady who has always had the time to just sit, listen, never judge but always be able to offer support.”

( Mother)