Home-Start Stroud and Dursley has supported hundreds of local parents who have needed support for many different reasons, including post-natal depression, disability, bereavement, the illness of a parent or child, social isolation, or because they are young and new to parenthood. They are currently campaigning to recruit more people with real parenting experience using a campaigning slogan of "we don’t need super nannies".

"What we really need," says Alex Corgier, one of the scheme’s co-ordinators, "is real people with real parenting experience. You can be a mother, father, grandparent or step-parent – who is willing to give a few hours every week to support a family in creating a secure and happy environment for their children. Parents supporting other parents: it's a simple idea that really works."

A typical Home-Start visit is hard to define because every family's needs are different. It might involve a rare ‘grown-up chat’ over a cup of tea, being of assistance when they need to make and keep medical appointments or helping them to get out for a trip to the park. Home-Start volunteers are not babysitters, home-helps or counsellors although from time to time they may perform all those tasks. It’s about friendship – one parent helping another.

"The message we are trying to get across to people," says Alex "is that by volunteering their help they can support parents to gain the confidence to manage on their own and give their children the best possible start in life. It’s not about telling people what to do it’s about supporting them."

"Also, it’s not just the families that gain! We have over fifty volunteers registered with us at the moment, many talk about the personal satisfaction they get from supporting other parents and many say what a huge boost volunteering has given to their self-esteem and confidence, and others talk about the friends they’ve made."

The next training course to become a Home-Start volunteer will be held in Dursley commencing on Monday 26th of January. If you would like to know more please contact the office on 01453-759911.