Home-Start Portsmouth
Home-Start Portsmouth is a family support charity operating in Portsmouth, England, as part of the UK-wide Home-Start network. Established in 1992, the organization focuses on providing practical and emotional assistance to families with at least one child under five years old. It holds charity number 1124943 under the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Mission and Activities

The charity aims to ensure that early childhood experiences positively shape a child’s future by supporting parents during challenging circumstances such as postnatal depression, financial hardship, social isolation, or multiple births. Services include one-to-one home visits by trained volunteers, stay-and-play groups in community hubs like the Portsmouth Family Hubs, and peer support networks. Volunteers receive specialized training and guidance from experienced coordinators to deliver tailored assistance to families.

Structure and Reach

As an independent charity, Home-Start Portsmouth collaborates with local initiatives such as the Portsmouth Family Hubs while maintaining affiliation with the national Home-Start UK network. It supports over 200 families annually through its volunteer-led programs. The organization emphasizes confidentiality and non-judgmental support, aligning with its broader mission to empower parents and improve child welfare.

Governance

Home-Start Portsmouth is governed by a board of trustees, which oversees strategic direction and governance compliance. The charity operates with a rolling three-year business plan to address evolving community needs. Volunteers and trustees work closely to ensure services align with the challenges faced by families in Portsmouth.

Key Events
In April 2024, the charity participated in the Portsmouth Family Hubs Open Day at Somerstown Family Hub, showcasing its community-oriented initiatives.

Affiliation
While independent, Home-Start Portsmouth adheres to the standards and practices of Home-Start UK, a national network supporting over 15,000 families weekly across the UK.

[1] https://hsportsmouth.org.uk [2] https://hsportsmouth.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://portsmouthlocaloffer.org/services/portsmouthhomestart/ [4] https://www.home-start.org.uk [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/4040375/contact-information