Project Description
Joyce* and Matt* and their two young children live in a small bedsit. Despite working, the family struggle financially. Their cramped living conditions affected Joyce and Matts’ abilities to establish routines or set boundaries, which impacted negatively on the children’s development.
Suffering from low confidence, Joyce experienced chronic anxiety. With no money to buy a double pushchair, Joyce avoided going out worrying about the children’s safety.
Valerie*, the family’s Home-Start volunteer, accompanied Joyce to local play activities and encouraged her to join in with the children’s learning. She supported the family so they could attend speech and language therapy sessions, to improve the children’s communication skills. She also accompanied them to the park and helped them access local activities.
Valerie incorporated Home-Start’s ‘Big Hopes Big Futures’ school readiness programme bringing books, games and activities whilst showing Joyce and Matt how to interact with their children. Home-Start was also successful in receiving a grant to purchase a double pushchair for the family.
Both parents are now more confident and resilient in parenting.
* names changed to protect anonymity
