News & Updates

What we achieved supporting parents during Covid 19 pandemic

Feedback from parents supported during the pandemic included “Home-Start are like angels”, “They were there when I needed them”, “We never knew about Home-Start before and they do amazing work, having volunteers and helping out in any way they can”, “I hope Home-Start would always be around to support families in Leeds”.

How to Diversify Your Organisation and Be More Inclusive

Home-Start Leeds

Michelle and some of the Trustees attended sessions provided by Voluntary Action Leeds. It is a new project to support the development of new and emerging strategic leaders from underrepresented communities and to create a platform for good strategic leaders to emerge and make a difference in society. It aims to support organisations who want …

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Covid 19 didn’t stop us when this family with complex issues including post-natal depression and domestic violence desperately needed extra support

The family were referred to Home-Start by a PNMH nurse as mum was suffering with post-natal depression and has an unstable relationship with the children’s father with domestic violence present. Mum has moved from another city and is isolated with both children at home. Mum was living in private rented accommodation, however, could not afford …

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What we achieved in 2020-2021 (during Covid)

An infographic showing what we did during 2020/2021 - the information on it is all in main post

Home-Start Leeds: Supported 147 Families Supported 264 children and young people Held 2 Preparation Courses Had 12 Volunteers complete Preparation Courses Held 15 Learning & Development Sessions for Volunteers Had 81 Volunteers support our work

Volunteer Preparation Course – Summer 2021

Some volunteers on a preparation course

The next Prep Course due to start on the 8th June 2021 (in the evening) now fully subscribed. Please watch this space for next provisional dates for the Prep Course which is likely to be sometime over the next two months. For further details ring Home-Start Leeds on 01132 442 419 or email [email protected]

New and expectant mums face increased mental health risks caused by the pandemic

During and after pregnancy, women have faced greater likelihood of poor mental health during the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts, according to a new report commissioned by a coalition of leading maternal mental health organisations.  New report raises concerns as services supporting women and babies come under strain. The rapid review of …

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Maintaining support for families during the pandemic

Business as usual for us has long involved adapting to and accommodating the increasing and changing demand for the support we provide to families while seeking out the financial underpinning necessary to ensure there is no drop in the quality of that support.  The complexity and levels of expertise necessary to continue with excellent service …

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Adapting to change in pandemic lockdown

Home-Start Leeds

We have started to plan changes to service delivery in line with the Government roadmap. The office is now open 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Most staff have had their second vaccine injection. Our first virtual prep course is going well and we have up-skilled staff members involved with perinatal and safeguarding awareness. 

Easter Baskets and Activities!

A Big ‘THANK YOU’ from Home-Start Leeds for the grant received from Home-Start UK through the partnership with John Lewis and Waitrose.    The monies enabled the scheme to provide an Easter basket of goodies and activities for families. Some quotes from those who took part in the activities: “Thank you so much for the …

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