History of Home-Start
Home-Start Havant is an independent charity set up in 1983 by a steering group of professionals who realised that vulnerable, isolated families needed friendship, support and practical assistance to help prevent crisis and family breakdown. In March 2005, the Scheme became a charitable company limited by guarantee.
For ten years the Havant Scheme was the only Home-Start in Hampshire – now there are ten. This is an indication of the growth of Home-Start throughout the UK and abroad. The first scheme opened in Leicester in 1983 and there are now over 340 schemes in the UK, with further schemes working with British Armed Forces in Germany, Cyprus and Malta. There are also Home-Start schemes in many countries including Russia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia and Israel.
In 2004 – 2005 the Scheme supported 113 families with 231 children through a team of 66 carefully selected and trained volunteers who are all parents themselves. Twenty five per cent of families were also supported at our 3 Family Groups that offer a welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environment for parents and their children 46 weeks of the year.
