We're incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for an Investors in People Award for Employer of the Year Silver. Home-Start UK has worked very hard to be a great place to work, so it’s wonderful to see that recognised 💜 @investorsinpeople.bsky.social

Independent article featuring Mike's story - a dad who was supported by Dad Matters & Home-Start who went on to become the Health Inequalities Coordinator for Dad Matters. He shares wanting to end his life but his baby Atlas waking up, & the support of Dad Matters got him through bit.ly/46d08TP

Coverage in the Independent sharing the research findings: Seven times as many fathers died by suicide in their baby’s first 1,001 days compared with mothers. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

We've been sharing some hard-hitting facts in the run up to #WorldSuicidePreventionDay to shine a light on paternal mental health. Join us online this evening to celebrate with 1001 Critical Days Foundation & its mission of supporting parents and carers to give their baby the best start in life.

Home-Start are proud to partner with The 1001 Critical Days Foundation to roll out Dad Matters nationally and to give every baby's dad the support he deserves. #HomeStart #1001CriticalDays #DadMatters #AllDadsMatter

Hear from a supported dad, Mike, Dad Matters Project Lead Kieran and other guest speakers including Lord David Blunkett.  Book your free spot here: https://bit.ly/4m5qzkp

We’ve been sharing some hard-hitting facts in the run up to World Suicide Prevention Day to shine a light on paternal mental health. Join us online tonight 6-7pm with 1001 Critical Days Foundation supporting their mission to support parents & carers to give their baby the best start in life.

The perinatal period - from conception to a child’s second birthday - is a time of profound transition for families.  When we talk about perinatal mental health, it’s time to talk about dads too.  Because for every baby, their dad matters.

Becoming a parent changes everything. The perinatal period is exciting, exhausting, overwhelming - and dads feel it too. Here are some stats that shine a light on dads perinatal mental health.

We were delighted to join Home-Start Glasgow North & North Lanarkshire for the official opening of their new Family Hub in Maryhill. It was opened by the First Minister of Scotland, and represents a pioneering approach to early years family support and is the first of its kind in Glasgow.

We’re delighted to be working with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as an early adopter of their seven beautifully animated films that bring to life the science of early brain development. Watch & share: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... Photo credit: Kensington Palace/Andy Parsons]

We’re thrilled our partnership with SGN has made a significant impact on keeping people safe & warm. We’re proud to be featured in their annual vulnerability report, showcasing the power of collaboration. Head to page 30 & 35 on the report to find out more: sgn.co.uk/news/sgn-sup...

Almost 40,000 MORE children are missing out on the support they need because of the 2-child limit than there were last year. Keir Starmer, what are you waiting for? The UK Government must urgently scrap the two-child limit.

We're feeling hopeful after yesterday's briefings about the Government's plans to roll out 1000 Family Hubs across England. We saw a strong desire to place the early years firmly on the agenda & support that reaches the families who need it most, especially in our most disadvantaged communities.

We're really pleased to see the Family Hub announcement and look forward to seeing the details of the plan later today. Read our statement from our interim CEO, Vivien here: www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-welcomes-family-hub-annoucement/

Mari is a Deaf mum who'd never had support like what she received from Home-Start Greenwich, it changed her life.  You can read Mari's story in Family Matters magazine. Read it here https://www.home-start.org.uk/family-matters-magazine

We were delighted to welcome Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell & Rt Hon. Dame Andrea Leadsom to Woodville Family Hub in Cheetham last week. Lucy & Andrea met with parents supported by Home-Start Manchester. Read the news story 👉 www.home-start.org.uk/news/home-st...

During the first 1001 days, from conception to age 2, babies’ growing brains are shaped by their experiences.   Every smile, every cuddle, every contact and every connection lays the foundations for future development.   #IMHAW2025 #MentalHealthMatters #InfantMentalHealth

1/4 - We’re very excited to announce that we have appointed Natalie Acton and @jodier.bsky.social as our new Co-CEOs. Natalie and Jodie are the first Co-CEOs in our 50 year history, and they will start work in September 2025.

The theme for #IMHAW2025  is ‘who’s holding the baby?’ and we want to ask, who’s holding you as parents too? Our volunteers provide practical and emotional support to families which helps reduce stress and overwhelm – allowing parents space to develop a positive early relationship.

1/4 - We are delighted to read Everything to Play For, the final report from the #RaisingtheNationPlayCommission and we wholeheartedly support the report’s recommendations.

Research shows us that our first 1001 days are the most important. Our early intervention at Home-Start acts as a building block for a child’s development. Want to know more? Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7taRqgb_v8E #IMHAW2025 #MentalHealthMatters #InfantMentalHealth

Today is the start of #InfantMentalHealthAwarenessWeek 💜 An important week to us at Home-Start that aims to raise awareness of infant mental health and the importance of early intervention support.  #IMHAW2025 #MentalHealthMatters #InfantMentalHealth

We’re one of 70+ orgs united in standing with the Prime Minister’s commitment to the early years. Together, we’re urging @Keir_Starmer to support children and families from conception to reception by making this ambition a reality at the #SpendingReview2025 Read more here: https://buff.ly/RVogQQq

We stand behind @Keir_Starmer’s focus on early childhood in his Plan for Change. Now is the time to invest so that every child, from conception to reception, has the Best Start in Life: https://buff.ly/RVogQQq  #BestStartInLife #SpendingReview2025

If this is true, it is incredibly disappointing. Home-Starts are seeing ever increasing numbers of families struggling with low incomes and rising prices. The Government owes it to them all to set out a serious and credible strategy for ending child poverty. Babies and children can't wait.

A new report from the IFS highlights the lasting impact that Sure Start had for children & shows what can be achieved with sufficient investment and commitment to creating change. Long-term health benefits, reduced hospitalisations, higher GCSE results, savings and reduced offending to name a few.

86% of families report struggles with cost of living pressures insidecroydon.com/2025/05/14/8... #Croydon #CroydonInCrisis @homestartuk.bsky.social

Interesting article showing the importance of early invention saving the public purse down the line. This is reflected in our work and school readiness programme - supporting children to learn from day one. A programme we're really proud of. www.newstatesman.com/politics/soc...

It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek - an important week shining a light on mental health which can affect us all 💜 We're here to encourage you to take those small steps to help your mental health - take anything from the menu, speak to friends, your GP, or contact us for extra support.

Parenting in London is tough, Home-Start London have produced a report. The findings from the research are clear, families with young children need more support & they need it earlier. Read the report bit.ly/437QCA7 #MaternalMentalHealth #MaternalMHmatters #HomeStartSupport #SupportForParents

Mum Sam was hospitalised for postpartum psychosis, a time so traumatic her recollections are ‘hazy’. One thing remains crystal clear – the support & friendship she received from Marie, her Home-Start volunteer. Watch Sam’s story here (you may want some tissues handy! 🥹) https://youtu.be/1UJCwl5glJM

Awareness weeks like #MaternalMentalHealthWeek help to open the door to conversation about mental health. It’s brave to ask for help. It’s brave to accept help. It’s brave to open your door to a Home-Start volunteer. It’s brave to talk about how you honestly feel.   #MaternalMHMatters

Our first national Thank You Day was a day full of kindness, thank yous and positive vibes! 😊 Here's a story celebrating a volunteer for his work with neurodivergent children at family groups www.the-gazette.co.uk/news/2513797...

Mums can wear the mask of “I’m fine.” We want to remind you that multiple feelings can be true at the same time.   You can love your child and find it hard, and not want to be in the room when they’re crying again, and miss aspects of your old life. #MaternalMentalHealthWeek #MaternalMHMatters

📣Our member @homestartuk.bsky.social recruiting for "People & Recruitment Officer" #JobSearchTogether #CharityJobs 🗓️Closing Date: 15 May 2025 📍Home working View here: www.togetherscotland.org.uk/news-and-eve...

Supported mum Naomi shared her #Postnatal story in this article www.independent.co.uk/life-style/h... #MaternalMentalHealth

Today marks the start of #MaternalMentalHealthWeek 💜 An important week to us at Home-Start that aims to raise awareness of maternal mental health problems throughout pregnancy and beyond.  Look out for our posts this week as we shine a light on maternal mental health.

Want to hear more about the royal visit that happened this week?  The Prince and Princess of Wales saw first-hand how Home-Start Lorn are supporting families on the island of Mull. Read the full story here:

Sending good wishes to all Home-Start runners today! You've got this! 👟 If you're watching at home look out for Home-Start purple t-shirts. Our cheer team will be at mile 13 and 22 encouraging everyone along the way.

We're v excited to be at the Campaign Magazine Awards tonight. 'We Answer The Cries You Don’t Hear' is up for a Content Strategy award. Amazing to be shortlisted with Natwest, @channel4.bsky.social Deliveroo & Currys  Whatever the outcome, we're proud to be shortlisted 💜 #CXMediaAwards

We're pleased to announce that our website makeover goes live tomorrow! This means, that our website won't be available from around 2-4am on Tuesday 8 April.  We'll be back up and running looking fresh before you know it 🙂

Not only is it International Day of Happiness and the first day of Spring, it's the Smiley Charity Film Awards where our 'Anxiety' film is nominated. If you want to watch along, tune in at 8pm https://smileymovement.org/charity-film-awards    Keep you fingers crossed for us!

It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week - a week that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Here's a snippet of our Healthy, Happy, Home video, focused on play and neurodiversity.  Watch the full version here: https://youtu.be/qlZ4TJwT9bE

It's Friday! Share your parenting wins for the week 👇

🚨@together-sacr.bsky.social has exciting news to share #TinyRightsDetectives "Exploring Pathways to Justice for Babies" #BabyUNCRC They explored with us how families raise concerns about babies’ rights & improve access to justice at workshops. Read the report here: bit.ly/3DvyaZ8

🙏 Thanks to members & friends in this project- - Craigmillar Literacy Trust - @homestartuk.bsky.social Wigtownshire - @playscotland.bsky.social - @starcatchersuk.bsky.social Great generosity in sharing expertise & @parentingscotland.bsky.social , Home-Start UK & Licketyspit for offering guidance

🍽️ The cost-of-living crisis is forcing families to make impossible choices. @homestartuk.bsky.social & Cadent have launched a budget-friendly recipe book with meals from Home-Start families & top chefs. A real, practical solution. Order your copy here: www.home-start.org.uk/shop/cookbook

Hi BlueSky! We're here for families all across the UK. Never heard of us? Find out more here www.home-start.org.uk