There is a huge need in Cornwall for Home-Start Kernows unique service. Cornwalls general reputation as a lovely place to holiday and to live is well deserved. However, parts of our county contain areas of considerable deprivation with many children and families experiencing problems of illness or disability that are compounded by poverty and poor housing conditions.

Home-Start Kernow raises its own funds each year and is not supported by any statutory organisations. We apply for grants and funding from charitable bodies , Trusts, Foundations and companies to cover our running costs each year alongside holding our own fund-raising events.

We need around £200k each year to operate so every donation, big or small will really help us to support children and their parents/carer in our community.

Rooted in the communities we serve, our mission is to make a lasting and positive impact on the development of children, and the health and welfare of the family.

We have a network of over 60 trained volunteers, parents themselves, who work across Cornwall giving one to one support to families who are struggling to cope with their young children and family life. In addition to our coordinators, our trained volunteers are key to our service. Our coordinators train our volunteers to support children and families with issues such as mental health, isolation, loneliness, financial problems, unemployment, illness and disability. In addition to one to one support, Home-Start Kernow runs support groups where parents are encouraged to attend once they are confident enough to take the next step.

The Covid-19 lockdown has been particularly challenging for children and families. We are making sure we stay connected by using telephone contacts, emails, messaging services, and Covid safe emergency face to face visits where appropriate. We have online groups via Zoom connecting parents, babies and children up to the age of 8 years old.

* Quote from a volunteer;

Training with Home-Start gave me new skills, I learnt how to be patient and how to listen...this training taught me to be totally non-judgmental. Volunteering for Home-Start Kernow has opened up my horizons.

* Quote from a parent;

Without Home-Start support I probably wouldn't be coping with the coronavirus lockdown...the volunteer got me through so much, I'm very happy where I am as a person now. I ended support as I felt I didn't need it anymore. I feel so good right now.