How to get help from
Home-Start Oxford
All parents struggle at one time or another. For some, the challenges can be greater. You are not alone.
How we can help you
Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and over-whelming. Anyone can face tough times and that’s why Home-Start Oxford is ready to support families like yours.
Home-Start Oxford support is:
- completely free – you do not have to pay for anything.
- entirely voluntary – you ask us for help.
- on your terms – you decide what kind of support suits you best.
- non-judgmental – we’re here to listen.
- focussed on giving you skills and confidence to be the parent you want to be, and to make family life better.
- compassionate, confidential and individual.
You don’t need to feel alone. You can do this, and we’re here by your side.
We can offer support via:
Groups
We offer a range of specific support groups and a programme of general ‘stay & play’ sessions.
Our groups are a great place to pick up advice and tips and you will often find lots of other families facing the same issues as you.
It is possible to receive one-to-one support and attend a group, start with a group and transition to one-to-one support, or to use a group as a transition period as one-to-one support reaches a conclusion. Equally you might find that attending a group is sufficient support for your needs.
In our groups we foster a culture of inclusivity, compassion and non-judgement and would be very pleased to welcome you. For more details see our groups section.
One-to-one support
Our one-to-one support is offered in your own home. Our home visiting volunteers:
- are trained, experienced and carefully matched with your family.
- have parenting experience themselves and understand lots of the difficulties families can face.
- will provide you with 2-3 hours of support per week.
- will work alongside you to help you overcome challenges you are facing.
- will work with you to build on your strengths and give you support that you tell us that you need.
How to get help
We know it’s hard to admit when you need help, but sometimes asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. It can show great strength and demonstrates that you want the best outcome for your family.
Please get in touch to discuss your situation and how we can help you. Click on the ‘Get help’ button below and let us know as much about your situation as you feel able to. One of our coordinators will get back to you to talk about your needs.
Before contacting us you can double check that we are your local Home-Start by clicking here.
Please note that support is dependent on volunteer and coordinator capacity. All of our support is confidential.
(If you are a professional or other third party you can use this form to make a quick enquiry about support or click here to access our full referral form.)
Home-Start Oxford Groups
Our groups can help you to overcome isolation and loneliness, build relationships and confidence and are often a great way to get the help you need in the right environment.
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Click on the button below to fill in our online application form. When you have successfully completed the form, close the window to return to here.
Rose Buds
‘Rose Buds’ runs weekly at the Rose Hill Community Centre in Oxford.
Run in collaboration with the Community Centre and Oxford City Council, ‘Rose Buds’ is a free stay and play group for 0-5s and their parents and carers.
Fridays
10-11.30am
Rose Hill Community Centre, Oxford, OX4 4HF
For further information please contact admin@homestartoxford.org.uk
‘Little Splashers’ Baby Group (Witney)
A FREE groups for babies under 1 and their parent / carer with singing, sensory play & story time.
Tuesdays
1.00-2.00pm
Witney Methodist Church, High Street, Witney, OX28 6HG
Numbers are limited so you must register for a place.
To join please message us on Facebook or email Jan@HomeStartOxford.org.uk
‘Puddle Jumpers’ Stay & Play Group (Witney)
A FREE group for 0-5s and their parent / carer with crafts, messy play, singing and story time.
Mondays: 9.15-10.45am at Ceewood Hall, Witney, OX28 5AR
Wednesdays: 9.30-11am at Witney Methodist Church, Witney, OX28 6HG
Numbers are limited so please arrive early.
Once a month we will do a buggy walk instead of the indoor session – keep an eye on our Facebook page for details (@homestartwitney).
Growing Minds Stay & Play Group (Littlemore)
A friendly group aimed at children aged 0-4 and their parent / carer with crafts, messy play, singing and story time.
Mondays: 9.00-10.00am at John Henry Newman Academy, Littlemore, OX4 4LS (FREE)
Tuesdays: 9.00-10.15am at John Henry Newman Academy, Littlemore, OX4 4LS (£1 towards refreshments)
Thursdays: 10.00-11.30am at Littlemore Village Hall, Railway Lane, Littlemore, OX4 4PY (FREE)
Please note the Monday and Tuesday sessions are run term-time only.
For more information, please email admin@homestartoxford.org.uk
What parents say
Names have been changed to protect privacy
I’m so pleased you called. I feel absolutely elated. It has made such a difference to talk to an adult and know that there are people out there who care.
I can speak up for my children more confidently – and for myself as a parent. When people question my son’s behaviour or my parenting I can now explain he has autism and what that means.
I’ve gone from coping/surviving to actually enjoying life.
I feel much more confident in myself and in my parenting – I never used to sing to him, but now I do it all the time! And I am getting out and about much more than I ever did before.
I’ve had tears of happiness…I’m so proud of myself for asking for help.