Home-Start believes that the parents play the key role in ensuring that children have a happy & secure childhood. We support parents as they grow in confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen their links with the local community. Our caring volunteers offer friendship & support to parents with young children during difficult times in their lives.

Prevention is better that the cure and Home-Start Calderdale is primarily a preventative service that helps parents when difficulties first arise. Parents often claim that they find it easier to talk to "ordinary people" who know what it is like to bring up children and to accept help from them rather than professionals. Diffident ond fearful parents often put on a brave face and believe that they have to stand on their own 2 feet, but respond well to non-judgemental, genuine offers of help.

* Parental self esteem, confidence and parenting capacity improved* Parental and child emotional well-being increases* Families receive support in thier own home for 2-3 hours every week* Children have a positive role model in their lives* Children have an adult on hand to provide stimulating and educational play thus improving school attainment* Parents are suported to provide routine and boundaries which eases stress, provides consistency and improves behaviour.* Fewer children in care.