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HOME-START BRIDGEND ETHOS AND APPROACH

Home-Start Bridgend is a voluntary organisation, which is committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age.

Volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families under stress in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.

It is our aim at Home-Start Bridgend to operate an open referral policy ensuring that support is available to any family who is experiencing stress or difficulty for what ever reason.

WHO CAN BE REFERRED?
Any family with at least one child under five years of age.

WHO CAN MAKE A REFERRAL?
.. Families themselves
.. Health Visitors/other medical professionals
.. Social Worker/other Social Services professionals
. Community Mental Health Teams
.. Other voluntary organisations ie: Mental Health Matters,
DASH, Wallich, etc
.. Education; Teachers, Education Welfare Officers, Playgroup
leaders, etc

HOW DO I MAKE A REFERRAL?
.. Complete a Home-Start Bridgend referral form with the consent of the family (forms available by telephoning us or using our printable version in the Document Store window)
.. Submit Referral form to Home-Start Bridgend

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
.. A Scheme Manager will make an appointment to visit the family within two weeks of receiving referral.
.. At the first visit we will discuss with the family what their needs are, and how a Home-Start Bridgend volunteer could help.
.. If a suitable volunteer is available, a match visit is arranged. Alternatively they may be placed on our waiting list until a volunteer becomes free.

WILL I BE KEPT INFORMED OF THE FAMILIES PROGRESS?
.. Letters are sent at various stages; When the family accepts/declines our support, after the match visit, after regular review visits, etc.
.. Any concerns regarding children WILL BE reported in accordance with our Safeguarding Children Policy.
.. Referrers comments are sought when each families support finishes.



HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS MATCHED WITH FAMILIES?
The Scheme Manager pays careful attention to matching volunteers skills and experience to the needs of individual families.

The success of Home-Start Bridgend support is dependent on the relationship that develops between the family and the volunteer, so Scheme Managers make every effort to match appropriately.

HOW LONG DOES HOME-START BRIDGEND SUPPORT CONTINUE?
.. Scheme Managers regularly review each family's support and will continue for a period of time consistent with the needs of the family.
.. If the youngest child reaches five years of age whilst receiving support. The Scheme Manager will suggest a structured withdrawl of support after discussion with both family and volunteer.
.. When the family feels ready to move on.


Home-Start Bridgend works in accordance with the Policies and Practices of Home-Start UK and the Service Level Agreements between ourselves and Bridgend County Borough Council and Bridgend Local Health Board.

Home-Start Bridend hold a comprehensive portfolio of policies, including; Safeguarding Children, Confidentiality, Vulnerable Adults, Health & Safety, etc. If you would like a list of policies held or a copy of an individual policy please contact the office and we would be happy to provide you with a copy.