Home-Start Dover District is a voluntary organisation that is committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age.

Volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families under stress in their own homes helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation offering support, friendship and practical help to families at home with at least one child under 5. The first Home-Start scheme was launched in 1973 and there are now nearly 330 schemes with more than 7,000 volunteers visiting families throughout the UK. Each local scheme is staffed by at least one paid Organiser (or Co-ordinator) who is responsible for running the scheme and recruiting volunteers. The service is free, non judgemental and confidential.

Being a parent, wherever you live or whatever the situation, is not easy. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life. It is even more difficult if family or friends are unable to offer you support and breathing space when you most need it. Some parents lose confidence in their ability to cope and most can remember days when they would have liked someone to turn to. A Home-Start volunteer will visit you regularly (usually once a week for a couple of hours) in your home and offer support through difficult times for as long as it is helpful or needed. You decide with your volunteer when visits will happen and how you spend the time. Home-Start volunteers are parents too and may have been supported by Home-Start themselves in the past. You can choose whether or not to accept Home-Start support. A volunteer will only visit at the invitation of the family.