Home-Start Teesside provides a service to families located in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.  

Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be very challenging, especially when children are young.

Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life. For some parents it’s a particular struggle because they are also coping with issues such as post-natal depression, their or their child’s illness or disability, isolation or multiple births. That’s when parents need support.

Family pressures can sometimes be difficult to manage without emotional and practical support around you.

Our volunteers understand how hard it can be to be a parent. They work alongside parents (with at least one child under the age of five) in their own homes, helping them to cope with the stresses and strains of life. They make sure parents have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children.

Our specially trained volunteers offer compassionate, non-judgmental and confidential support. Their approach is as individual as the people they are helping. 

By contacting us, we can assess your situation and match you with a suitable volunteer if appropriate.

No parent should feel alone in raising children.

Our volunteers usually see you once a week. You decide together what to do during that time.

Home-Start Teesside covers Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.

Areas of practical and emotional support include post-natal depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, bereavement, financial worries, relationship difficulties, managing children with additional needs or disabilities or an extra pair of hands where you have had twins or multiples.

Home-Start Teesside's support is free, you do not have to pay for any of it, and all support is voluntary.

Every family we support is different, so the help we offer is always shaped around you, your children and what feels right for everyone.

You may hear from other families about the support they’ve received, but it’s important to know that this can vary. Our volunteers are kind, trained people, but they are not paid staff, so there are some things they can and can’t do. This helps keep everyone safe and comfortable. For example, we’re not able to do school runs or provide childcare, but in some situations a volunteer may stay with your children in a safe place, such as a doctor’s waiting room, while you attend an appointment.

We’ll always talk things through with you so expectations are clear and support feels fair and helpful.

Referring yourself?

We'd love to hear from you!

Call us on 01642 501811 to chat about what you need, or email us at admin@homestart-teesside.org.uk if that’s easier for you.

Please note: Our phones are answered during opening hours, but you can leave a message anytime and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Professional referral

Please see our referral page for the most up to date information.

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