Home-Start offers volunteer-based, parent-to-parent support to people raising at least one child under the age of five. The service aims to support parents by offering practical help, a listening ear and advice.
Families who may benefit from the service may be feeling isolated or lacking support, may have experienced multiple births such as twins or triplets, may be facing illness or death in the family, or may feel they are going through a particularly difficult time.
After meeting the family, a suitable volunteer is matched. The volunteer then offers once-weekly support and guidance for two to three hours each week.
A friendly relationship is built between the parent and volunteer, providing non-judgmental and confidential support. Through this relationship, parents are helped to cope better in their challenging situation for the benefit of themselves and their children.
Volunteers receive a 40-hour preparation course and ongoing professional support throughout their work with families. The volunteers are mature, friendly and caring individuals who are aware of what being a parent entails.
Home-Start Gozo is part of the international network of Home-Start schemes, mainly based in the UK. In Gozo the service is run by Dar Ġużeppa Debono and funded by the Gozo Ministry. It is the second service to operate in the Maltese islands following the setting up of Home-Start Malta several years ago.
Home-Start Gozo is currently conducting a campaign to publicise the service and recuit additional volunteers. As part of this yearly campaign, events will be held on November 22 at Arkadia Gozo, and on November 23 at The Duke Shopping Mall, Victoria.
The Home-Start Gozo office at Hope Flats, Flat 3, Chambray Street, Għajnsielem, will also be open to the public on November 25 and 26 for people interested in joining the group of volunteers as well as for those interested in using the service.
For further information about the service or to join the volunteers, call 2755 2596 or 7906 7148 or e-mail homestartgozo@gmail.com.