About Home-Start

Home-Start is a voluntary home-visiting program that supports families (with at least one child under five years) in the Newcastle and East Lake Macquarie areas. The Program Coordinator links trained volunteers to a family; the volunteers are linked on a one-to-one basis and provide practical support and friendship to the family through regular home visits.

The program began in Australia in May 1989 under the auspices of the Family Action Centre at The University of Newcastle. Since that time, Home-Start has trained over 450 volunteers, worked with 1700 families and 3400 children. We're linked to both Home-Start Australia and Home-Start International.

Home-Start has 30 volunteer visitors working with us at the moment; their ages range from 26 to 75. They are selected for their parenting experience, caring attitudes and ability to relate to others.

Home-Start believes that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life, helping them achieve their full potential. Therefore, every parent should have the support they need for the best possible outcome for the whole family.

Home-Start is now operating in many countries throughout the world – in Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, The Netherlands, Norway, Russia, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

"Thank you, staff and workers. Your rewards may not be monetary but your help to families in raising good kids is invaluable, as children are the world's most important resource. May you never grow old in spirit while you are dealing with kids – they are the ageless edge of eternity."

Awards

Home-Start received a "Highly Commended" award in the 1999 National Child Abuse Prevention awards for our outstanding commitment and achievement in promoting the wellbeing of children and the prevention of child abuse.

Home-Start also received a Merit Award from the National Institute of Criminology for the prevention of violence against women.

The Family Action Centre's 2004 "Outstanding Contribution to the Hunter Community" was awarded to volunteer Ms Sharon Marsh for her dedication to the Home-Start scheme.

Home-Start's funding body

Home-Start is funded by Department of Family and Community Services - Families NSW Strategy.

These funds are auspiced by The Family Action Centre of the University of Newcastle.