In addition to our home-visiting support, each of the three Home-Start schemes in Gloucestershire runs groups for families. These include:
- Antenatal groups covering a range of subjects, such as bonding with your unborn baby, emotions during pregnancy, and baby development in the womb.
- Postnatal groups for parents with babies up to six months old, focussing on topics like supporting early relationships and development, sleep and first aid.
- Perinatal mental health peer-to-peer groups, offering reassurance and support to mothers who are impacted by their mental health.
Our groups are a great way to meet other parents in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Here is some of the feedback we have had:
‘It’s been wonderful having something like this to come to each week, to meet people and feel like I am learning things that will help. Thank you so much for running the course, I have really enjoyed it.’
‘We have loved coming to the Home-Start group. We are new to the area so don’t really know many other mums and it’s been so valuable to meet other people with babies at the same stage. The leaders are kind and considerate – you’re never made to feel bad if you are running late or your baby is not behaving angelically! And there is always a cup of tea available which is a godsend after a sleep deprived night. It’s such a valuable service and we’re really grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.’
‘Positive responses from other mums about my personal situation have helped me feel more confident in my abilities. Thank you xx’
Details of the groups offered by each scheme can be found on their websites:
https://homestartnwglos.org.uk/are-you-a-parent-in-need-of-support/
https://homestartsd.org/are-you-a-parent-in-need-of-support/
https://home-start-cotswolds.org.uk/family support/
We also work closely with Dad Matters Gloucestershire – please see the tab in the menu bar at the top of this page.