Organisation: Home-Start Horizons
Website: http://www.homestarthorizons.org.uk/
Service: Funding, evaluation, business planning, merger & partnerships
What we did
Home-Start Horizons is a local charity based in Leicester, that is part of a national network of Home-Starts. It provides a befriending service to families that need practice and confidential support and advice through a network of trained volunteers.
We supported Home-Start Horizons over a period of two years. We secured funding for Home-Start Horizons from the National Lottery Local Sustainability Fund and Life Chances Fund, and we supported it to evaluate it services (social return on investment evaluation), develop a new strategy, develop new income streams, and merge with other local schemes. We also designed a successful Reaching Communities partnership project that aimed to extend and build on the family support offer through community organising and social action.
Natasha Jolob, our founder, was a trustee board member for two years and she also volunteered with Home-Start, providing vital befriending support to a disadvantaged family to help them to cope, build confidence and access community services. She has also she delivered ‘free’ relaxation sessions for post-natal mums to improve their mental health and she provided 'free' meditation retreat sessions to staff and volunteers during the pandemic.
Outcomes
Increased skills and knowledge, increased income, increased resilience.
