Early childhood is a time of immense growth, vulnerability, and possibility. At Home-Start Kernow, we believe families shouldn’t have to face those crucial early years alone. Everything we do centres on making sure parents and children get the support they need—right when they need it most.

What Home-Start Kernow Offers

Home-Visiting Support — One Caring Volunteer at a Time

Parenting can feel overwhelming—whether due to post-natal depression, illness, isolation, or simply too much on your plate. That’s where we step in. Home-Start Kernow carefully matches families with trained local volunteers. These volunteers provide emotional and practical support through home visits. It’s friendly, non-judgemental, and helps parents feel seen, heard, and supported.

Group Support — Connect, Grow, Thrive

Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference is a chance to laugh, share, and connect with others in the same situation. Our group sessions, whether it’s a post-natal meetup, toddler play group or buggy walk, create a safe, welcoming space for both parents and children. With activities designed to encourage learning, confidence, and connection, these groups help families thrive together. These groups run across Cornwall, from Penzance to Saltash and many places in between.

Neurodiversity Support & Parent Involvement

We’re committed to inclusion. Families with neurodivergent children can access peer support, home visits, and practical guidance, helping parents feel empowered and children feel celebrated for who they are.

How We Make It Work

• Dedicated Volunteers, our volunteers come from all walks of life, united by one aim: supporting families. Trained in safeguarding, child development and more, they bring compassion and practical help when it’s needed most.
• Local Connection, since 2001, Home-Start Kernow has been a trusted part of the Cornwall community, standing alongside local families when they need us most. While some of our work is supported by Cornwall Council and Public Health, we rely on the generosity of fundraising, grants, and community donations to raise over £200,000 each year. These funds are what make it possible for us to keep offering our vital services. Sadly, even with all our efforts, we couldn’t reach 50 families last year who came to us asking for home-visiting support—simply because we didn’t have the resources.

Proven Impact

Our support changes lives.

Impact data gathered (Home-visiting support, 2024–25) shows that families received significant and measurable improvements in wellbeing.

All families (100%) told us that our support had stabilised or improved their ability to cope with isolation, 97% of families reported that our support had stabilised or improved their ability to manage their mental health.

These numbers are brought to life through family voices; one parent described her experience of developmental support ,“I was struggling with my daughter’s development. She was not talking or walking, she was very quiet, and I did not play with her. The support was all helpful, I can see the difference it has made to my daughter. My daughter is babbling away now and running around.

Another family stated “Home-Start gave me a lifeline… I feel able to cope on my own now.”

Data gathered following group support shows 80% of families attending a Home- Start Kernow group felt that it has improved their confidence, 79% felt that attending the groups improved their mental health.

These families speak about the importance of our groups to them personally:

“It’s literally a life saver for me, being able to have somewhere safe for my baby to explore where people are in a similar situation and there are so many new experiences for him has been amazing.”

“It’s really helped my mental health as some days can be a bit rough on my own, but I know there’s always going to be a cup of tea and a listening sympathetic ear.”

These outcomes demonstrate how Home-Start Kernow services not only reduce isolation and strengthen mental health but also empower parents to build resilience and provide the best start for their children—impact that matters deeply to both families and those who invest in their future.

Confidence grows, loneliness eases, and families feel stronger together.

Ready to Get Involved?

Need support? Reach out to be matched with a volunteer or join one of our welcoming groups across Cornwall.

Interested in volunteering? Our prep course covers everything from attachment and play to mental health and neurodiversity. With ongoing CPD and supervision, volunteers gain valuable skills and experience that can support careers in education, social care, or community health.

Want to contribute? Every donation, fundraising effort, or helping hand makes a difference. Your support ensures more families can thrive.

Contact us

Drop us an email and let us know if you would like support, would like to volunteer or would like to donate or help with fundraising – we’ll make sure the right person on our team gets back to you! info@homestartkernow.org.uk