About Us
The earliest years make the biggest impact: Home-Start Essex supports families, helping to give children the best possible start in life.
Sign Up for Home-Start Essex NewsletterAbout Us
Home-Start Essex is an independent local charity, which is part of the Home-Start UK network. We supports families with young children across Mid, South and West Essex.
We know that bringing up children can be tough — especially when families are dealing with stress, poor mental health, money worries, isolation or a child’s additional needs. We are here to help when support is needed most.
Our team of trained volunteers and experienced staff work alongside families, offering friendly, confidential and non‑judgemental support to help parents feel more confident and children get the best possible start in life.
What We Do
Our services are shaped by what families tell us they need and are delivered safely, respectfully and with care.
Why We Do It
Many families in Essex face growing pressures such as poor mental health, financial hardship, isolation and supporting children with additional needs. Our early support helps families cope, build resilience and feel less alone before challenges become more serious.
Our Vision
Every child in Essex has the best possible start in life, growing up in a strong, resilient family with access to support when needed.
Our Mission
To deliver high-quality, family‑led services, independently and in partnership, that empower families to be resilient and thrive.
Our Values
We are supportive, non‑judgemental, approachable, professional, collaborative, inclusive, family‑led and safe. These values guide everything we do and how we work with families, partners, staff and volunteers.
Zero Tolerance
Respect, kindness and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do at Home-Start Essex. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for families, volunteers, staff and everyone we work with.
To learn more about the standards of behaviour we expect and how to raise a concern, please read our:
Zero Tolerance Statement.
Our Impact
We measure the difference our support makes by listening to families and tracking changes in confidence, coping skills and wellbeing.
Our work helps:
- Parents feel more confident and supported
- Children develop and thrive
- Families build stronger support networks
You can read more about the difference we make in our community
Impact Report 2024–25
Our Future
Our External Strategic Plan 2026–2029 sets out how we will:
- Support more families
- Strengthen partnerships
- Grow our volunteers and staff
- Improve digital services
- Ensure our support is sustainable for the future
Read our Strategic Plan 2026–29 to learn more about our priorities and plans.
“With the support of a Home-Start volunteer, I learnt how to interact and play with my son, put boundaries in place and create a safe and secure home.”
“My volunteer was so easy to talk to, we get on really well. I have kept going to the group now without my volunteer which I am really happy about, they helped me to feel much more confident.”
I feel so relaxed after I’ve spoken with my volunteer. I really do feel more confident in my ability as a parent.’
‘My volunteer was very hands on with the children. Her advice was really helpful.’
‘My volunteer helped me get out of the house to baby group.’
Thank you for all you're doing, not sure what I'd do without you.
Home-Start Parent
You have made all my worries so much less with all your help, thanks to you we will have a Christmas and I was so worried we wouldn’t be able to this year. Thank you so much.
Home-Start Parent
"Home-Start Essex has made a huge difference, we have felt supported, and we have made friends. It has been lovely watching my youngest daughter come out of herself and develop."
Home-Start Parent
My volunteer was so easy to talk to, we get on really well. I have kept going to the group now without my volunteer which I am really happy about, they helped me to feel much more confident.
Home-Start Parent
"With the support of a Home-Start volunteer, I learnt how to interact and play with my son, put boundaries in place and create a safe and secure home."
Home-Start Parent
