Welcome to Homestart I.O.W.
Home-Start IOW is a voluntary organisation that offers support to parents/carers who are facing difficulties and have at least one child under school age.
Support is provided in the family’s home and also through Home-Start Groups.
Home-Start IOW was established in 1997 and supports families across the Island, working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations.
Home-Start IOW Volunteer receives national recognition with special volunteering award
Margaret a Home-Start volunteer has received a national award in recognition of her dedication over 25 years.
Margaret Rylands has volunteered with Home-Start on the Island supporting families in their homes since 1999, has been a trustee for almost the same amount of time, as well as serving a term as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
She’s been described by parents and carers she’s helped as: “A lifeline, a part of the family, the mum I don’t have, the grandmother to my children that they haven’t got…”
Home-Start UK’s Volunteer Awards were held on Thursday 18th January to recognise and celebrate the amazing contributions of volunteers across the network.
There are more than 10,000 Home-Start volunteers and 1,000 Trustees who volunteer in communities all over the UK.
A group of around 30 Island volunteers, families and trustees gathered at Briddlesford Farm to watch the national ceremony broadcast online to Home-Start branches all around the country – and to see Margaret win the biggest award of them all!
Speaking after the award ceremony Margaret said : ‘I was just amazed that I made the shortlist – and I don’t know what the word is now!
“I’ve really enjoyed all the years that I’ve been at Home-Start. I’ve often felt that I get at least as much out of it as the families, if not more.
“It’s lovely watching children grow up with the families I’ve stayed in touch with, I hope that somewhere along the line that I’ve made a difference.”
Speaking on the video shown at the award ceremony, Home-Start IOW Scheme Manager Alison Griffiths said: “Margaret is unassuming, very reliable, she’s incredibly thoughtful, she’s so kind – but she does it all in a very quiet way.
“She just cares really really deeply for Home-Start and she believes in everything that we do.”
Becky Dollery, a mum from one of the first families Margaret helped, says: “It’s quite emotional… It was really tough when the kids came home from hospital, being so premature, a lot of the time I was on my own with my husband working away during the week – so I really only had Margaret.
“Without her help I couldn’t have done those little things other people take for granted.”
Marie Cooper, another mum supported by Margaret 20 years ago says: “There’s not a thank you big enough – she’s not a volunteer to us, she’s family.”
Welcome to Home-Start I.O.W.
Home-Start IOW is a voluntary organisation that offers support to parents/carers with at least one child under school age to help them with the challenges of family life.
We provide emotional and practical support to families with our trained home-visiting volunteers, expert staff, stay and play sessions and holiday activities, helping them through their most challenging times.
We’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.
Home-Start IOW was established in 1997 and supports families across the Island, working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations.
What We Do
Family life with young children can be challenging and overwhelming at times. We understand that sometimes it makes all the difference to have someone to turn to when family life is tough.
Families struggling with postnatal depression, isolation, illness, bereavement or family breakdown, and many other issues, receive the support of a trained volunteer who will spend around two to three hours a week in a family’s home supporting them in the ways they need. This is supported by expert help from our co-ordinators who also offer home visiting support and informal online parenting workshops.
We also run weekly ‘invitation only’ Family Group sessions in the community so that parents and children are able to socialise with each other in a safe and stimulating environment.
“Home-Start were there when I really needed them. As a person, I gained confidence and made some life long friends during my time with Home-Start. I had the opportunity to off load when I needed a listening ear, the chance to be amongst others who knew just how challenging parenting can be and the chance to have something to look forward to each week.”
+ families visited at home
+ families supported at groups
+ volunteers recruited
+ referrals
Our Support
Home Visiting
We work with families experiencing a range of challenges, giving practical help and emotional support.
Family Groups
We run weekly stay and play Family Group sessions for parents and their young children.
Bumps and Babies
We offer support to parents to help them feel confident and ready for the next steps in their parenting journey.
Referrals
We support parents with at least one child under the age of 5 years. You can refer yourself or someone else for our support.
Latest News & Events
Volunteer receives national recognition
Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication! We are thrilled to announce that Margaret Rylands, a cherished member of our Home-Start IOW family, has been...
Kick Start with Home-Start 2024 Campaign
Today (8th January) we launch our Kick Start with Home-Start: From My Family to Yours campaign. After Christmas many Isle of Wight families are...
BBC Children In Need helping families on the IOW – BBC Sounds
We were thrilled to have Emily from Radio Solent visit one of our family groups, where she engaged in an insightful conversations with parents and...
W Hurst Son Annual Charity Cycle Ride in aid of Home-Start IOW
We are thrilled to announce that Home-Start Isle of Wight are the chosen charity for W Hurst & Son, Annual Charity Cycle Ride. On 13th August a...
Hursts Celebration Event 27th May
The team are all set to join the team at Hursts in Newport for tomorrow’s Celebration Day. Come and find us to chat to the team. We are slightly...
Maternity Roadshow 20th May
The Home-Start team were delighted to attend the Maternity Roadshow on Saturday 20th. It was great to be part the day and to meet lots of expectant...
Home-Start IOW Charity Race Night
SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2019 to be held at Binstead Community Centre (First Race Starts at 20.00) EVERYONE WELCOME! If you are unable to attend but...