Oldham's leading family charity launches new project to support new parents

Home-Start HOST, which supports families across Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Bolton, is set to launch a new project that will be helping around 30 families per year, with support focused on Parent Infant Mental Health.

Their PIMHs project in Oldham will build on successful work that Home-Start already carries out across Tameside, Stockport and Bolton (in which they supported 219 families in 2021).

Parent Infant Mental Health focuses on the relationship between a parent and their baby - including bonding, attachment, infant brain development and the infant’s first year.

And in a year where new parents have had little or no family support to rely on, this vital help is needed now, more than ever.

Home-Start is Greater Manchester’s leading family support charity.

They recruit and train local volunteers to visit families in their own homes, offering emotional and practical support.

Confidential and non-judgmental help is offered to families for a range of reasons, including poverty, isolation, domestic abuse, illness and disability and poor mental health.

Lauren Forrester, Home-Start’s Parent Infant Mental Health Coordinator for Oldham, said: ”As we begin to navigate our way through the roadmap out of lockdown, trying to find something that feels like ‘normality’, we must be mindful that our Oldham families and their children have paid a high price over the last year.

"Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our families have faced pregnancies, births and the early stages of their children’s lives isolated from their family and friends - without the same access to support from services that any parent knows are so crucial during such a delicate time.”

She added: “We know that time is precious, and there has never been more of a need to invest in a healthier, happier future for our Oldham families.

"When you are a parent, weekly support from a volunteer can make such an incredible difference.

"I have experienced this first-hand, so I can personally vouch for it.”

A mum who already receives Home-Start PIMH’s support in Bolton, said: “My doctors’ referred me to Home-Start.

"I was reluctant at first, but it has really help me with my anxiety and depression having someone to talk to and text that understands what you are going through.

"Before, I felt alone because my family didn't understand what I am going through.

"Home-Start has made a big difference for me, the help I get from Tracy and her team is brilliant.

"They are friendly and understanding, I couldn't ask for a better team.

"Without out them I don't know what I would do.”

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Home-Start support has been adapted to be delivered remotely, using telephone support, or video platforms such as Zoom.

In line with government guidance, Home-Start has just started to offer families a ‘walk and talk’.

But as restrictions ease, Home-Start will be resuming work in family homes and will be keeping digital support as a complimentary and supplementary activity.

Families living in Oldham who want to find out more about Parent Infant Mental Health support can self-refer to Home-Start HOST either by email: info@homestarthost.org.uk, or telephone – 0161 344 0669.

Alternatively, they can talk to their healthcare professional such as their health visitor, GP, midwife, about making a referral to Home-Start on their behalf.

To find out more about the work of Home-Start HOST, or to receive support, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.home-starthost.org.uk

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