A new publication from Home-Start UK
Extract from the introduction from Peter Grigg CEO Home-Start UK
It has been a year like no other for families. Wave after wave of lockdowns have pushed all families to the limit. If parenting and nurturing children was not hard enough, the global pandemic, social isolation and economic turbulence have magnified the pressure and anxiety of every possible challenge a family might face.
Yet, it is in times of crisis that fundamental human values are revealed. In our communities, so many have risen to the collective challenge – in hospitals, supermarkets, food banks. The pandemic has demonstrated that we are capable of co-operating at scale with social purpose and a selflessness that many previously may not have thought possible.
It is this spirit of kindness that we celebrate in this report. As Home-Start charities working with volunteers, staff and families in communities across the UK, this report highlights the humanity, humility and care that we have witnessed over the past 15 months. We surveyed families from across our network of local Home- Starts across four UK nations to explore what has made the biggest difference. Crucially, we consider how we might build on this extraordinary effort in order for society to “build back” – not just better, but fairer and kinder too.
In a year when so many have yearned to get outside, it may seem odd to provide this reminder of the importance of the home environment for children. But home truly is where it starts from. Supporting parents to not just cope, but feel confident to thrive, in their role as caregivers on a day-to-day basis is what Home-Start has been doing for fifty years.
We know first-hand the value of compassionate, non-judgemental, volunteer and expert support for parents and carers. In this report we shout this loudly and proudly because – after this strange period of extended isolation – childhood can’t wait. We look forward to working with families, communities, funders and decision makers in the months and years ahead to make a fairer, kinder future for families a reality. Home-Start is here to play our part.
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