Home Start West Somerset - Who we've Helped

In 2009/10 Home-Start throughout the UK helped:

34,746 families with 72,683 children
there were 21,492 volunteers in 334 local schemes

and Home-Start West Somerset helped:

88 families in West Somerset and 32 in Bridgwater
with a total of 228 children
working with 47 West Somerset volunteers and 18 Bridgwater volunteers
and we got millions of smiles!!!

When we were assigned a Home-Start volunteer I had mixed feelings. There was relief that we were getting help but also apprehension - would we get on with the volunteer (and vice versa), would she think we were bad parents, how would the children react to name a few.

a volunteer talking to a mother and baby

Looking back it seems silly to have worried. From the first time we met with the volunteer it was obvious that she was down to earth, supportive and non-judgemental. I didn't feel intimidated and the kids took to her very quickly. Whatever we threw her way she dealt with. We developed a good friendship and I can honestly say that she made a huge difference to our lives. I knew that she was there for us and that everything would remain confidential.

Our volunteer and all the staff we've met from Home-Start are amazing and I hope you go on to help many more people. A very big thank you to you all.