About Home-Start
Home-
About Home-Start Down District
Home-Start Down District was established 35 years ago and each year supports over 400 families through Family Groups, Home visiting support and parenting programmes – as well as our Pre-loved charity shop based in Newcastle.
Our team of volunteers and staff provide support services for families from across the district, with postcodes including BT24, BT30 and BT33.
Annacloy, Ardglass, Ballynahinch, Ballykinler, Ballyhornan, Bishops Court, Castlewellan, Clough, Crossgar, Drumaness, Downpatrick, Killough, Killyleagh, Kilcoo, Loughinisland, Newcastle, Saul, Seaforde, Saintfield, Strangford and more.
We have a wonderful team of staff and Volunteers, they give families the gift of their time, sharing their skills and experience and helping young families #BecauseChildhoodCantWait
Who we are
Established in 1990, Home-Start Down District is the longest running, independent, volunteer family support charity in Down District. With a scheme based in Downpatrick and two satellites in Ballynahinch and Newcastle. We support over 400 families each year.
Home-Start Down District is an independent charity is part of the federated network of Home-Starts operating across Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland supported by the national organisation Home-Start UK.
Registered office
Offices 14-15, Innovation House
Down Business Park 46 Belfast Road,
Downpatrick
Co. Down
BT30 9UP
Registered Company number NI054548 (Northern Ireland)
Registered Charity number NIC170061
Pre-Loved Shop
8 Donard Street
Newcastle
BT33OAW
02843726885
Registered Company number NI656345 (Northern Ireland)
Registered Charity number NI107993
Helping families in Down District since 1990.
Families helped
Children supported
Volunteers
Services provided by Home-Start Down District
- Family Groups
- Home visiting
- Parenting Programmes
- Pre-loved shop
Areas we cover
We support families living across Down District including postcodes BT30, BT33 and BT24.
- Annacloy
- Ardglass
- Ballynahinch
- Ballykinler
- Ballyhornan
- Bishops Court
- Castlewellan
- Clough
- Crossgar
- Drumaness
- Downpatrick
- Killough
- Killyleagh
- Kilcoo
- Loughinisland
- Newcastle
- Saul
- Seaforde
- Saintfield
- Strangford
- and more.
“Home-Start raises self-confidence, improves social networks, reduces difficult behaviour on the part of the child and improves mental and physical health”
Every Child Matters Government Green Paper.
Our Services
Since 1990 Home-Start Down District trained volunteers and staff have worked alongside parents and guardians, offering practical help and emotional support when it’s needed most. Whether families are dealing with lonliness, financial pressures, post-natal depression, multiple births, illness or just the everyday challenging of parenting, Home-Start Down District have been there.
Our highly trained teams have a range of specialist skills including perinatal support, learning in the early years and specialist early intervention.
Family and Group Sessions
We run groups where parents and guardians can meet others, share experiences and build confidence. Children benefit from safe, fun play opportunities while parents connect and learn.
In Home Support for parents of young children
From pregnancy through to school age our trained Home Visiting Volunteers support parents to build routines, strengthen relationships and enjoy family life.
Practical Help
Support accessing local services, attending appointments or signposting to specialist help when needed.
Parenting Programmes
We offer evidence based courses such as Incredible Years helping parents gain skills, strategies and confidence in a supportive environment with our trained practitioners.
Pre-loved shop
We know how expensive it is when starting out which is why our pre-loved shop offers affordable, quality items from maternity clothing to newborn school age clothing, toys, books and baby equipment.
Current vacancies
If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact us
Family support volunteers
Home-Start supports families across our communities who have young children and are facing difficulties, making sure a child’s early years count.
Our Volunteers are trained and given expert support from our staff team so that they can provide the best support for parents and their children.
Through a careful matching process, Home Visiting Volunteers can build a strong and trusting relationship with a family they may go on to support for many months.
We help families from all backgrounds through their most challenging times and just a couple of hours a week can transform the lives of parents and their children.
Our Volunteers provide non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support, giving families the right help at the right time and in a way that suits them.
By volunteering your time and experiences for just a few hours each week you can even change lives, including your own. We know from research the benefits to our volunteers; in developing new skills, building confidence and relationships and also supporting training and placements for work and study.
Visit our Volunteer Page for more information and get in touch.
Family Group volunteers
Home-Start provides fun and interactive family group sessions throughout the district each week.
Family group volunteers help run our weekly sessions for parents and pre-school age children. You’ll welcome families, support activities, and create a warm friendly environment where parents and children can play safely. It’s a rewarding role for someone who enjoys being part of a group and doesn’t mind making snacks for toddlers!
By volunteering your time and experiences for just a few hours each week you can even change lives, including your own. We know from research the benefits to our volunteers; in developing new skills, building confidence and relationships and also supporting training and placements for work and study.
Visit our Volunteer Page for more information and get in touch.
Admin volunteers
Admin volunteers support the smooth running of our office by helping with tasks such as answering phones, data entry or preparing resources. If you’re organised and like supporting behind the scenes this role is vital for our work.
By volunteering your time and experiences for just a few hours each week you can even change lives, including your own. We know from research the benefits to our volunteers; in developing new skills, building confidence and relationships and also supporting training and placements for work and study.
Visit our Volunteer Page for more information and get in touch.
Pre Loved Shop Volunteer
Shop volunteers help in our pre-loved shop welcoming customers, sorting donations, and keeping displays tidy. It’s a friendly role where you’ll meet lots of new people learn new skills and raise vital funds for our charity.
By volunteering your time and experiences for just a few hours each week you can even change lives, including your own. We know from research the benefits to our volunteers; in developing new skills, building confidence and relationships and also supporting training and placements for work and study.
Visit our Volunteer Page for more information and get in touch.
Become a Home-Start Trustee
Home-Start Down District is an independent local charity and being a trustee is all about the governance of the charity. Could you help plan and oversee how we will support families in your community?
You’ll have a wide range of duties and be responsible for making the charity effective, providing overall direction and maintaining sound management of funds. If you have any of these skills:
- general business management
- financial or legal expertise
- IT knowledge
- human resources experience
- PR and media skills
- knowledge of family support issues in the community
then we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more contact us
Our Team
Our staff team are responsible for the delivery of our services and strategy.
Together, they ensure we’re here for families when they need us most, that our volunteers are trained and supported and that our service remains effective, reaching as many in our communities as possible.
Imelda Hynds (General Manager)
Sharon Robson (Newcastle)
Doreen Belshaw (Downpatrick)
Kirsty Cable (Down District)
Family Group Workers
Management committee members
Our Board of Trustees, like other volunteers, give their time and experience to make our organisation the best it can be.
Our Board is responsible for setting the direction of our organisation, strategic decisions, governance, legal compliance and leadership. Working closely with the Manager and the staff, Trustees are essential to the operation of our charity.
Anyone interested in bringing their skills and experience to our Board is invited to make contact with our Chair to discuss any opportunities or to express an interest in future vacancies.
Fiona Crory, Chairperson
Retired School Principal of a Primary & Nursery School
Maureen Kearney, Voluntary Director/Trustee & Home Start Volunteer
Peter Smith, Treasurer Voluntary Director/Trustee
Retired Bank Manager
Derek McGregor, Voluntary Director/Trustee
Advocacy Advisor with CAB
Bridget Owens, Voluntary Director/Trustee
Retired School Principal in Special Education & Home Start Volunteer
Jane Dinnen, Voluntary Director/Trustee
Retired School Teacher & Home Start Volunteer
Become a Home-Start Volunteer Today
Home-Start’s team of trained volunteers make sure a child’s early years count. By volunteering just a few hours each week you can transform the lives of young children and their parents in your community.