If you are working with a family who you think could benefit from the support of Home-Start you should:

• Check the family’s eligibility: Our service supports families with at least one child under the age of 5.
• Check this page for current status updates.
• Discuss Home-Start Teesside with the family: The family must agree to receive support before a referral is made.
• Download and complete the referral form in full, then return it to admin@homestart-teesside.org.uk.

Once you have referred a family to Home-Start we will:

• Set up an initial visit with the family to discuss their needs
• Carefully match the skills and experiences of a volunteer, or a family support worker, to the needs of the family
• Introduce the volunteer/worker to the family
• Let you know when Home-Start support starts and ends
• Keep you informed about progress
• Monitor and assess their support

Please note: Our support is always tailored to each individual family, taking into account their needs, strengths and circumstances. Families may sometimes share their experiences with others, but it’s important to note that what we offer can look different from one family to another. Our volunteers are not paid staff and have a choice about what they feel able to do, guided by training, risk assessments and what is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.

There are also clear boundaries around our role, and some things we’re not permitted to do, such as school runs or providing childcare. In some situations, a volunteer may support a parent by staying with children in a safe setting, for example in a GP waiting room, while the parent attends an appointment, but this will always be agreed in advance and based on assessed need.