Many parents feel overwhelmed or exhausted by the stresses and difficulties of everyday life. Too often they have no close family members or friends who can give them encouragement and support or breathing space when they most need it.

Margaret Harrison, whilst a Health Visitor in Leicester saw taht there was a gap in the provision of support for families and in 1973 founded the first Home-Start scheme in Leicester. The organisation now offers 340 affiliated schemes throughout the UK and with British Forces in Germany and Cyprus.

In 1998, Home-Start International was founded working with communities across the globe. Margaret has since been awarded a CBE and although now retired takes an active role in Home-Start as Life President.

The quality of our service is maintained across the country with all schemes working to national standards.

Our Values

Home-Start believes that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them to achieve their full potential.

Our Approach

Home-Start offers a unique service. We recruit and train volunteers who are usually parents themselves to visit families with at least one child under five, at home, and offer them informal, friendly and confidential support.

Our support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Almost 20% of families refer themselves to Home-Start Aberdeen which shows real confidence in the work we do.