About Home-Start Merton
Home-
Who we are
Home-Start Merton exists to enable families experiencing stress or difficulties to meet the needs of their children from conception to five years old.
- We offer a range of support including our core service of a 1:1 family support volunteer supporting parents with children 0-5 years old.
- Our perinatal service, Bumps to Babies, supporting expectant parents in the first 1001 days.
- Our counselling service for families supported by Home-Start Merton.
- Our groups which support parents and children’s wellbeing.
Helping families in Merton since 1993
Families helped
Children supported
Volunteers
What we do
Home-Start Merton is a registered charity, third sector organisation with highly trained volunteers and staff to offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families. We support families with children 0-5 years and parents who are pregnant and have perinatal mental ill health. We help to prevent family crisis and breakdown, whilst emphasising the pleasures of family life.
Home-Start Merton recognises the diversity in families and respects race, cultural and religious traditions. All relationships are based on good communication, respect and trust. The relationship between the Home-Start volunteer and the family is established by choice.
Areas we cover
Home-Start Merton supports families living in the London Borough of Merton.
“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.
Case Studies
Finding Strength Through Support: Hannah’s Journey with Home-Start Merton
When new mum Hannah found herself overwhelmed, exhausted and isolated after the birth of baby Arthur, Home-Start Merton stepped in with a lifeline of care and connection. With the gentle support of a dedicated volunteer, a welcoming parent group, and help accessing essential resources, Hannah gradually found confidence, community, and joy in her role as a mother. Her journey is a powerful reminder that no parent should face those early days alone.
The Home-Start Network
Local Home-Start’s support the community and borough they are situated in. Home-Start Merton is an independent charity and is part of the federated network of Home-Start’s operating across the UK, supported by the national organisation, Home-Start UK which offers training, information, and guidance and ensures quality support for parents, carers, and children. Please take a look at their website for more information on Home-Start as a network.
Our Projects
At Home-Start Merton, we know that every family is different. That’s why we offer a range of projects designed to meet families where they are, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and give children the best possible start in life.
Our projects are developed in response to local need and are delivered by our experienced staff, trained volunteers and valued partners.
Whether you’re looking for support, want to refer a family or are interested in funding our work, we’d love to hear from you.
Home Visiting Support
Our trained volunteers visit families in their own homes, offering practical and emotional support tailored to each family’s individual circumstances.
Support may include:
- Building parenting confidence
- Reducing loneliness
- Emotional wellbeing
- Establishing routines
- Play and child development
- Accessing local services
Brighter Futures
Helping children build confidence for a successful start at school
Brighter Futures is Home-Start Merton’s school readiness programme for families with children aged 2–5 years. Delivered in partnership with Merton Family Hub as part of the Big Hopes Big Futures initiative, the programme provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where children can learn through play while parents and carers receive encouragement and support.
Through fun, interactive activities, Brighter Futures helps children develop the confidence, communication and social skills they need as they prepare for nursery and school. At the same time, parents and carers have the opportunity to build relationships, share experiences and learn practical ways to support their child’s learning and development at home.
Each session is designed to promote children’s curiosity, independence and emotional wellbeing in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment.
What families can expect
- Play-based learning that supports early development
- Activities to build confidence, communication and social skills
- Stories, songs, creative play and sensory experiences
- Opportunities for children to make friends and learn together
- Practical ideas for supporting learning at home
- A welcoming space for parents and carers to connect with others
- Advice, guidance and signposting to additional services where needed
Who can attend?
Brighter Futures is for families with children aged 2–5 years who would benefit from additional support with school readiness and early childhood development.
The programme is referral only.
When and where
Thursdays
10.00am – 12.00pm (term time only)
Church Road Children’s Centre
243 Church Road
Mitcham
CR4 3BH
How to access the programme
Families can self-refer or be referred by a professional. To find out more or make a referral, please visit our Get Support page or contact us at admin@homestartmerton.org.
Little Stars Group
Little Stars is a welcoming weekly group where parents and carers can enjoy quality time with their children while building friendships and confidence.
The programme includes:
- Sensory play
- Baby and toddler development activities
- Songs and stories
- Healthy snacks and shared meals
- Parenting support
- Guest speakers
- Signposting to local services
Who is it for?
Families with children aged 0–2 years.
How to access the programme
Families can self-refer or be referred by a professional. To find out more or make a referral, please visit our Get Support page or contact us at admin@homestartmerton.org.
Current vacancies
If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact us
Fundraising Manager
Salary: £21,000 per annum (22.5 hours per week), equivalent to £35,000 FTE
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days), Hybrid Working
Location: Home-Start Merton (Hybrid)
Responsible to: Managing Director
About Home-Start Merton
Home-Start Merton is a voluntary organisation dedicated to giving every child the best possible start in life because childhood does not wait. As part of one of the UK’s leading family support charities, we work alongside families with young children who are experiencing challenging times, helping parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and create happier, healthier home lives. Through our dedicated team of staff and trained local volunteers, we provide practical and emotional support through regular home visits, empowering families to overcome difficulties, build resilience and create brighter futures for their children. Our work also includes delivering a range of community-based groups and activities that reduce isolation, strengthen local connections and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children, parents and families across the London Borough of Merton.
For full details, please read the job description and person specification.
How to apply:
Application Pack:
Please send your application to: irene@homestartmerton.org
Schedule and Interview Process
- Closing date: Friday 11th September
- Shortlisting: Candidates notified by Friday 18th September 2026
- Interview: Dates TBC
Contact Information: If you would like to talk to us about the role, please email irene@homestartmerton.org or call 0789 5361 964.
Home visiting volunteer
Home-Start Merton 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.
Download our Volunteer Leaflet for more information
Fundraising Volunteer
Location: Home-Start Merton / Hybrid / Community-based
Hours: Flexible – to be agreed
Role type: Voluntary
About the role
As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will work alongside our staff, trustees and other volunteers to support a range of fundraising activities.
The role can be shaped around your interests, skills and availability. You might enjoy organising events, approaching local businesses, researching fundraising opportunities, helping with campaigns or coming up with new ideas to engage our community.
You do not need previous fundraising experience – enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to get involved are just as important.
What you could be involved in
Depending on your interests and experience, you may help us to:
- Support the planning and delivery of fundraising events and activities.
- Approach local businesses and community organisations for donations, raffle prizes, vouchers, sponsorship or other support.
- Help develop relationships with local businesses, schools, community groups and supporters.
- Help promote fundraising events and activities within the local community.
- Identify opportunities for corporate partnerships and community fundraising.
- Help with event preparation, administration and supporter communications.
- Attend community events on behalf of Home-Start Merton where appropriate.
- Contribute ideas for new fundraising activities and ways to raise awareness of our work.
- Help us thank and maintain relationships with our donors and supporters.
We would not expect one volunteer to do all of these activities!
Experience in fundraising, events, marketing, communications, business development or community engagement would be helpful, but is not essential.
Time commitment
This is a flexible volunteering opportunity. We would agree a level of involvement that works for both you and Home-Start Merton.
There may be times when additional support is particularly helpful, for example in the lead-up to fundraising events or campaigns.
Some activities can be completed from home, while others may involve attending our office, visiting local businesses or supporting events in the community.
What you can gain from the role
By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a practical difference to families in the local community.
- Gain experience in charity fundraising and community engagement.
- Develop skills in communication, events, relationship-building and fundraising.
- Meet new people and build connections across Merton.
- Be part of a friendly and supportive team.
- Receive appropriate guidance and support from Home-Start Merton.
We can also provide a reference following a suitable period of volunteering of at least one year.
Expenses
Reasonable agreed out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out your volunteering role will be reimbursed in line with Home-Start Merton’s volunteer expenses policy.
Interested?
If you would like to use your time, skills and ideas to help us raise vital funds for local families, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact admin@homestarmerton.org for more info on how to apply.
Our Staff
Our staff 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.
Irene Drivilas - Managing Director
Irene is an accomplished senior leader with over 25 years’ experience across family, youth, adults, addiction, homelessness, accommodation, and mental health sectors.
Irene is recognised for her strategic leadership, strong governance expertise, and ability to deliver high-quality, client-centred programs that achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes. Throughout her career, she has successfully led multidisciplinary teams, managed complex government-funded contracts and budgets, and driven service innovation and continuous quality improvement. She also brings extensive experience in safeguarding, clinical governance, and stakeholder engagement, building strong partnerships across health, community, and government sectors.
A values-driven leader, Irene is deeply passionate about early intervention, strengthening families, and supporting vulnerable communities. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, accountability, and staff wellbeing, enabling teams to perform at their best while delivering impactful services.
Outside of her professional role, Irene is a proud mother of two, has shared 26 years with her partner, and is the owner of Roger, her much-loved Labradoodle.
Having relocated from Sydney to London in 2024, Irene is excited to bring her experience and passion to Home-Start Merton and to contribute to supporting families across the borough.
Contact: irene@homestartmerton.org
Reiya McKenzie-Selassie - Family Support Coordinator
‘As a mother and someone who understands the importance of having strong family support, my experiences that have led me to Home Start are in supporting early years development and supporting children and their families from diverse walks of life. I am passionate about the needs of children and empowering parents, so together we can create positive outcomes. Joining the team in 2025, I intend to build trusting relationships with families and volunteers, listening to their voice and connecting them with the right support to thrive’.
Contact: reiya@homestartmerton.org
Silvia Romani - Business Support Administrator
‘Born in Italy, and a mother of 4 now living in Merton, I understand the importance of having a strong community, a village! My journey to Home-Start Merton began as a volunteer, fuelled by a desire to connect with others and give back to the community. This led me to join the team in 2024 with the desire to bring my administrative skills and experience to support local families’.
Contact: admin@homestartmerton.org
Our Trustees
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 us to discuss any opportunities or to express an interest in future vacancies please email: admin@homestartmerton.org
Clare Courtney – Chair of Trustees
Clare is the Deputy CPO at Finastra
Clare is mother to four boys, living in Wimbledon and is passionate about helping organisations to be more successful.
She works as a HR Director and is currently deputy CPO at Finastra (a global financial services software company), previously working with major organizations like BT and Vodafone. Clare originally trained as a civil engineer and is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) as well as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (FCIPD).
Clare has spent many years supporting her local primary school with their PTA as well as being a STEM ambassador and for a number of years the Chair of the Industrial Advisory Board for University of Leeds School of Civil Engineering.
Adam Flacks - Deputy Chair of Trustees & GDPR lead
“I moved to Merton in 2018 and have been struck by the great sense of community in the area. I am a Solicitor, specialising in litigation. I became a Trustee of Home-Start Merton at the end of 2020, after I read about the charity’s work and achievements. Home-Start Merton is a fantastic organisation to be a part of, and I hope to be able to help the dedicated and hard-working staff and volunteers to continue to deliver such a valuable and necessary service.”
Diane Holmes - Deputy Chair of Trustees and Treasurer
“The Borough of Merton has been my home since 1998 where I live with my husband and teenage son, and I think it is a great place to raise a family. I have worked as a Risk Manager in a large organisation for over 20 years focusing on insurance, health and safety, business continuity and crisis management and hope that my business administration skills can contribute to the continued success of Home-Start Merton. I was delighted to join as a Trustee at the end of 2020 and I look forward to doing all I can to help this fantastic organisation, and the dedicated staff and volunteers to achieve its aims in supporting local families.”
Vikrant Bhuskute - Trustee & EEDI lead
Vikrant is an HR professional with 25+ years’ experience in large multinationals, and has lived and worked in 4 countries. He is presently working with BT as Strategic Reward Director for the Consumer, Openreach and Networks businesses. He has a family history of social service in the area or women empowerment, and youth development.
Daniel Lawrence – Trustee
“I have been a trustee with Homestart Merton for 6 years. I joined the board because I wanted to do something to connect with the local community and I have stayed because of the incredible people and the difference that the team makes to people’s lives everyday. I have been a civil servant for 10 years and lucky to work on a range of policy issues such as housing, law enforcement and culture. I have experience of finance, governance and policy to contribute to the board, adding to breadth of experience on the board of trustees.”
Marian Ridley - Trustee & Safeguarding Trustee
“Merton has been my home since 1996, and the place where I have brought up my 3 now adult children. I’ve spent the past 35 years running NHS services, with the past decade dedicated to hospital and community health services for children and families in inner London and across the south east of England. I have seen the vital role played by Home Start, and so am delighted to have become a Trustee in March 2023 and to have the opportunity to use my skills and experience to support the fabulous work of the Home Start Merton team of staff and volunteers, particularly at a time when there are so many children and families for whom they can make a real difference.”
Liana Sanzone – Safeguarding Advisor to the Board of Trustees
“I have been a social worker since 2002 and currently work in a professional capacity with the children’s charity, Young Lives vs Cancer. I have experience in working as part of multidisciplinary teams throughout my career, with particular multidisciplinary work involving oncology and bereavement services, as well as court work and therapeutic work. My experience also includes child protection work, therapeutic group-work specific to domestic violence issues, integrative therapeutic group-work, group facilitation with social work professionals, work with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and residential work. I have been an advisor, and previously a Trustee, with Home-Start Merton since November 2017. I enjoy supporting Home-Start Merton, it’s valued presence in the community, and the high-standard training and support Home-Start Merton provides its volunteers who do a remarkable job supporting families in need.”
Trudie Goodwin- Patron
“I’m so delighted to be involved with Home-Start Merton. The support they give to families in Merton is desperately needed and the atmosphere at the office is always welcoming, friendly and relaxed. What an enormous amount has been achieved – thanks to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved. Home-Start is now an absolutely integral part of life in Merton. Home-Start Merton has become a lifeline for so many families in the area and such is its reputation that more and more people are being referred to them.
Long may it continue.”
Baroness Sheehan - Patron
Baroness Sheehan joined Home-Start Merton as a patron in 2023.
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.
Please provide a CV with your application.