The Difference We Make

Home-Start Horizons – Supporting Families, Changing Lives

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. The first 1,001 days of a child’s life are irreplaceable—a time when stable, nurturing, and happy environments build the foundations for lifelong health, confidence, and success. But for many families, life’s challenges—mental ill health, social isolation, financial stress, or domestic abuse—can make parenting overwhelming.

At Home-Start Horizons, we believe no parent should face these struggles alone. Since 1973, we’ve worked alongside families in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, offering compassionate, non-judgmental support to help parents regain confidence, build resilience, and create the loving homes their children need to thrive.

1. Supporting Parents Where It Matters Most

We meet families where they are—literally. Our trained volunteers and staff visit families in their own homes, offering practical help, emotional support, and friendship. Whether it’s a listening ear, help with routines, or signposting to local services, we tailor our support to each family’s unique needs.

• 95% of parents reported feeling less isolated after our support.
• 85% felt better able to cope with their mental health challenges.

2. Building Resilience Through Groups and Programmes

Our family support groups and specialist programmes create safe spaces for parents and children to connect, learn, and grow together.

• Family Groups: Weekly sessions in Rutland, Charnwood, Melton, Blaby, Oadby, Wigston, and Leicester City help children develop social, emotional, and physical skills through play, while parents build friendships and support networks.
  • 79% of parents reported improved self-esteem.
• Mums In Mind (MIMs): A 6-week programme for mothers experiencing post-natal illness, stress, or anxiety. Using the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale, we’ve seen 100% of mums show significant improvement in their mental health.
  • 83% gained self-confidence.
  • 88% built stronger bonds with their babies.
  • “MIMs gave me tools to understand my feelings. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone.” — MIMs participant
• Dad’s Project: Now in its 3rd year, this project supports fathers through family groups, online workshops, and home visits, focusing on mental health and bonding in the first 1,001 days.

3. Preventing Crisis, Promoting Stability

Early intervention is at the heart of what we do. By supporting families before challenges escalate, we help prevent children from entering the care system and reduce long-term costs to society.

• £1,000 per year to support a family with Home-Start compared to £100,000+ per year to support a child in care.
• 70% of families we support see improvements in managing household budgets, mental health, and accessing services.

4. Strengthening Communities

We don’t just support families—we empower communities. Our  volunteers (who gave 24,590 hours of their time in 2024–25) are often former service users, paying forward the support they received. This creates a cycle of resilience, where families who once needed help become the ones offering it.

• Volunteering valued at £340,460 in economic impact (ONS).
• 42% of families we support are from BAME backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to equity and inclusion.

Our work doesn’t just change lives today—it builds resilience for tomorrow. Children who grow up in supported, stable families are:

• More likely to succeed in school and careers.
• Less likely to need criminal justice, healthcare, or mental health services later in life.
• Better equipped to form healthy relationships.

By investing in families during the critical early years, we’re investing in stronger communities, healthier futures, and a fairer society.

Because childhood can’t wait.
Together, we can ensure every child—and every parent—gets the support they need to thrive.

• Refer a family: Know someone who needs support? Contact us.
• Volunteer: Join our team and make a difference. Find out more.
• Donate: Help us reach more families. Support our work.