Home-Start provides a unique service for families – recruiting and training volunteers to support parents with young children at home. Over 650 volunteers visit families at home each week, supporting parents in situations as diverse as isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability or those who are finding parenting a struggle.
Speaking in the Long Gallery Minister Kelly said: “Sometimes it is the informal, short-term support, provided through organisations such as Home-Start, which helps to break down isolation and helps families to deal with the challenges of modern family life.
“We congratulate the Home-Start team for their dedicated work over the past 25 years and wish them well in their anniversary celebrations.”
Minister Paisley Jnr said: “Parents and carers are key partners in achieving the aim of the 10 year Children and Young People’s Strategy, which is to ensure that by 2016 all our children and young people are fulfilling their potential.
“As champions for children, we are fully committed to prioritising their rights and their needs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Home-Start for 25 years of valuable work in this area.”
Notes to Editors:
- The two Junior Ministers have responsibility for the co-ordination of policy for children and young people.
- Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
