Home Start reaches out to families

Families in need of assistance in the upbringing of their children can rely on Home Start for support, a service offered by Appoġġ. A number of families from the Cottonera area and Zabbar, Zejtun and Fgura are currently receiving the service, offered by 16 trained volunteers, all of whom are parents.

Home Start is a community service offered in collaboration with Home Start International, with a proven track record in helping parents of children aged five or less, in various aspects of child upbringing. The philosophy behind Home Start is that parents are considered to be key figures in creating a secure and happy environment in their children's formative years.

Home Start Malta offers assistance to parents who could feel overwhelmed by their situation and difficulties such as illness, multiple birth, lack of support network, disability, isolation or lack of child care skills.

Home Start helps parents to grow in confidence, strengthen relationships with their children and widen their links within the local community. There is no 'typical' Home Start family, as any family with a young child or children might need support. The only requirement is their willingness to receive help and collaborate with a trained volunteer.

Anyone who would like to receive help, refer a family to the service or requires more information can call 2167 8043 or 9901 8398 or e-mail home.start@maltanet.net.

For more information about Appoġġ and its services, call Supportline 179 or visit www.appogg.gov.mt.