The Home-Start IOW team are all currently working from home and staff and volunteers have transferred to remote support by telephone. We are also developing ways to keep in contact using video calls and we will keep families updated as the support available changes.
Our office is currently closed but you can contact us on admin@homestartiow.org or via our website.
We are still accepting new referrals and these should be emailed to us on admin@homestratiow.org or using the link on our website.
We will acknowledge receipt of the referral and then make contact with the family to discuss their needs and what support we may be able to offer. We will explain what we may be able to do to support during the current Covid-19 restrictions and in the future when normal service can be resumed.
We have already given advice to our staff and volunteers, based on the national guidance from NHS England, available here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ the Government, available here https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
We encourage people to seek information about the virus and actions to be taken only from these official sources.
We will continue to highlight the latest advice and information to families we support, specifically paying attention to the latest advice on symptoms and self-isolation.
As a support organisation working with many people across the Isle of Wight we prioritise the health and wellbeing of all those connected with us. Maintaining remote support will be important for many. In these difficult times, we are also working, where we can with other groups and organisations who are responding to very local needs, helping us to connect families to any further sources of support.
You can find useful advice on your own wellbeing from the charity Mind here https://www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you
and for children here https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/ worries-about-the-world/coronavirus/
Please visit https://www.iowscp.org.uk for guidance about what to do if you have safeguarding concerns about a child.
We will continue to post useful information for you and your children on our Facebook page. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/homestartisleofwight
We will update our website and social media as and when the situation changes and we will communicate directly with families, our volunteers and partners.
We are very grateful for the donations we have received to support us during this time and the difficult times ahead. Your support means so much to us.
If you would like support our work you can do so by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/homestartisleofwight
You can also find details on our website of how you can join our fabulous team of volunteers.
Stay safe and thank you for your support.