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Home-Start, Aberdeen

Providing home-based support by volunteers for families with a child under 5 in Aberdeen.

Home-Start projects train and match volunteers with families with at least one child under 5. Volunteers visit regularly, and support the parent(s) in whatever way is agreed between the family, staff and volunteer. Home-Start Aberdeen also provides group work and group activities for families and volunteers, and can refer parents to other informal training. Volunteers receive initial training and are encouraged to do further training identified as relating to the needs of the family.

The Cattanach Charitable Trust made a grant of £10,000 towards the core work. The target was to place 7 volunteers with families and maintain a further 3 existing relationships.

Outcomes included:

increased confidence on the part of the parent(s) as demonstrated by ability to attend school meetings, take part in toddler groups and visit parks.
reduced isolation for the family through outings, attending further education and training courses and group activities at Home-Start.
improved interaction between parents and children as demonstrated by reading and playing with children, bedtime routines and activities such as crafts.

The Cattanach Charitable Trust will maintain a relationship with Home-Start Scotland.