Being a parent can be lonely, frustrating and overwhelming. Home-Start volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support
We’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.
Welcome to Home-Start Kernow
Home-Start Kernow offers free, confidential support, friendship and practical help to parents of children under five in the county of Cornwall who are going through a difficult time.
Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be very difficult, especially when children are young. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life, particularly if they have little support from family and friends when they need it most. For some parents it’s a particular struggle because they are also having to cope with issues such as post-natal depression, their or their child’s illness or disability, isolation or multiple birth.
That’s when parents need support. That’s when Home-Start Kernow can help.
A carefully selected volunteer, who has parenting experience themselves, regularly visits a family, in their own home, offering emotional and practical support through difficult times for as long as it is helpful or needed. We aim to work with families most in need with the volunteers we have on board. This friendly parent-to-parent support is a simple yet effective way of enabling families to get back on track.
Our staff team work to understand the needs of the family and keep in touch to ensure the family gets what they want from Home-Start. We also train, supervise and check volunteers for safeguarding purposes to ensure everyone is safe.
Please take a moment to browse through the pages of this website to find out more about our service, how to get support for your family, how to refer a family, how to become a volunteer, donate, fundraise or become a Friend of Home-Start Kernow.
Looking for the news? we have the latest news at the bottom of this page and for all news and events please visit our news page
Get Support
We work with you to build on your strength and give you the support you tell us you need.
Ways to Volunteer
By volunteering with us, you can transform the lives of young children and their parents in the community. From giving an hour a month to help at a twins group, to volunteering for a few hours a week supporting a family, there is no minimum commitment required.
Why fundraise for us?
A child’s earliest years are the most important. Home-Start wants to make sure those years count. From bake sales to marathons…can you help us?
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Our latest Supporters’ Newsletter
Our latest Supporters’ Newsletter is now available! Packed with updates, new projects and fundraising news from across Home-Start Kernow, it will keep you informed and connected. Click the link to read the February 2026 edition and discover how we’re supporting...
2026 Fresh Starts and New Goals
As the New Year begins, many of us start thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and ways to give back. If supporting families has ever crossed your mind, as a future career move or a meaningful way to use your spare time, this could be the perfect time to take that...
AGM Invitation
As Chair of the Trustees, I’m really pleased to invite you to our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM will take place online, on the 15th January 2026 at 18:00 Our charity exists to support families in Cornwall, and everything we do is shaped by the people...
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