Family / coronavirus
How one Southmead charity is adapting to support families during pandemic
Southmead family charity Home-Start Bristol have been working quickly to ensure families continue to receive vital emotional support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Supporting families with at least one child under the age of five, Home-Start Bristol ordinarily operates from the Greenway Centre, and works with local families to deliver one-to-one support, friendship and practical help.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has adapted its support to provide its services from a distance.
is needed now More than ever
Normally, parent volunteers, trained and supported by professional staff, visit families at home to help children develop and to reduce stress for parents.
Since lockdown, Home-Start Bristol have been delivering support at a distance, using phones and social media to remain in touch with families.
Home-Start Bristol are supporting young families during the crisis
Staff and volunteers at the charity are currently supporting parents through job losses and domestic violence, isolation, and day-to-day routines.
They are also encouraging them to engage with community activities and remote services.
“Volunteers provide what practical help they can, safely delivering foodbank parcels, medication, kits of play and activity materials,” says the Home-Start Bristol team.
“In the coming weeks and months, we will work harder than ever to find new ways to ensure that families have the support they need.
“Never has this support been more essential to families in need than during the crisis triggered by Covid-19.”
Find out more, access support and donate at www.homestartbristol.org.uk
All photos: Home-Start Bristol
Read more: The challenge of supporting young people through pandemic
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