Home-Start Wessex supports record number of local families as demand continues to rise
The charity, which supports families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as well as wider parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, helped more than 1,000 children in a single year for the first time.
Demand for its services has continued to increase, with families receiving support for challenges including poor mental health, depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and the pressures associated with multiple births.
More than 6,000 families supported since 1995
Home-Start Wessex works by matching families with trained volunteers who can provide friendship, practical help and advice during difficult periods in their lives.
Its support stretches across the whole BCP Council area, including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, as well as the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport. Its wider reach extends into parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Since the charity was founded in 1995, it has now supported around 6,000 local families and 14,680 children, with more than 1,000 volunteers contributing their time.
Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex, said the charity had continued to receive an unprecedented number of referrals over the past year.
She thanked staff, volunteers and trustees for helping the organisation respond to growing demand and reach a record number of families.
New Christchurch hub opens its doors
The past year has also seen Home-Start Wessex take its first step into retail.
In February 2026, the charity opened its first specialist Family Charity Shop, Community Hub and e-commerce centre in Christchurch.
The previously disused premises were transformed into a new outlet and officially opened by the charity’s Patron, local children’s author Sarah Lean.
The charity says it has since been inundated with donations from members of the public.
Money generated through the shop will help provide essential funding for its services, while the hub also aims to increase awareness of the support available to local families.
New support for military families
Home-Start Wessex has also expanded its work to support military families following funding through the Armed Forces Covenant.
The charity has appointed a Military Projects Intervention Worker and opened its first Dandelions Specialist Family Group at Bovington Camp.
The group brings military and civilian families together in a safe and judgement-free environment, providing opportunities for children to play and develop while helping parents build relationships, feel less isolated and access relevant support.
Further funding from Dorset Council will also allow six groups across the Purbecks, East Dorset and West Dorset to continue operating as part of the Families First Pathfinder Programme.
The charity plans to develop these services further, particularly for families experiencing high-level needs or child poverty.
Families report improvements
Home-Start Wessex says feedback from the families it has worked with shows the impact of its support.
According to the charity:
- 96% of parents reported improved parenting skills
- 98% reported improved self-management
- 96% of families reported improved children's wellbeing
- 97% of parents reported improved wellbeing
The charity has also received a number of awards across Dorset over the past 12 months, recognising its contribution to local communities and as a place to work.
Volunteers needed across Dorset
As demand continues to grow, Home-Start Wessex is now looking for more volunteers to help families with young children across Dorset.
Volunteers provide emotional and practical support, which can be as simple as listening to a parent, helping them attend appointments or being a consistent source of support for a few hours each week.
Kirsty Shatwell first received help from Home-Start herself when her three children were babies and has now been volunteering with the organisation for more than seven years.
She described the three hours of weekly support she received as an “absolute lifesaver” during a time when she was struggling.
No previous experience is required to become a volunteer, with full training and ongoing support provided by Home-Start Wessex.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact volunteering@homestartwessex.org.uk for more information.
