Every family needs support sometimes
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. We understand that every family faces difficulties at different times, and you don’t have to face them alone.
Get Help from Home-Start Merton
We provide free, confidential support to families with young children, helping parents build confidence, reduce isolation and give their children the best possible start in life.
Supporting families in different ways
Every family is unique, which is why we offer a range of services tailored to individual needs. Our experienced staff, trained volunteers and trusted partners work together to provide practical and emotional support that makes a real difference.
Our support is reviewed regularly with parents to ensure families feel empowered, gain confidence and have a positive experience throughout their journey with us.
Our Programmes
Home-Visiting Support
Our trained volunteers visit families in their own homes for approximately two hours each week, providing personalised practical and emotional support.
Support may include:
- Building parenting confidence
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
- Improving emotional wellbeing
- Establishing healthy family routines
- Encouraging play and child development
- Helping families access local services and support
Group Support
We offer weekly group sessions during term time for families who are receiving support from Home-Start Merton.
Please note that these groups are available by referral only and are not drop-in sessions.
Our welcoming groups provide a safe and supportive environment where parents and children can:
- Meet other local families
- Build supportive friendships
- Take part in fun activities
- Enjoy lunch together
- Access peer support
Groups are available for expectant parents and families with children from pregnancy up to five years of age.
Please see our programme leaflets for current group details.
Referral Criteria
Families must:
- Be experiencing challenges or difficulties
- Be expectant parents experiencing perinatal mental ill health, or have children from pre-birth to five years old
- Live within the London Borough of Merton
How to Get Referred
Professional Referral
Speak to your:
- Midwife
- GP
- Health Visitor
- Social Prescriber
- Any other professional supporting your family
Professionals and practitioners can complete a referral using our online referral form.
Please note: Incomplete referral forms cannot be accepted.
How to self- refer
If you think Home-Start Merton could support your family, we’d love to hear from you.
Call us on 020 8646 6044 for an informal chat, or email admin@homestartmerton.org to find out more.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions about our services or would like to discuss the support available, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is here to help.
Feedback & Testimonials
“I feel motivated to work through my problems and get through the day. Without a volunteer I felt I couldn’t cope with the demands of three under fives at home. Therefore it really helps to have a volunteer.”
“I find Home-Start Merton a brilliant idea. It is a great help and support for anyone in my situation. I would like to express my appreciation towards the staff for being so kind and understanding.”
“I felt the support given to my family was excellent. I had a very good relationship with my volunteer and she encouraged me as a mum and individual and gave me positive feedback. It helped me get through a hard time in my life. I would definitely use the service again if I was having difficulties in my life.”
“As a mother of twins I received support from Home-Start Merton when the boys were 5 months old. I had been finding things very difficult I was diagnosed with post-natal depression and my husband’s work was mostly in the evenings. A volunteer came to help me one evening a week, to help with bath and bedtime routine, by which time I was very exhausted after a long day. We have all, as a family, found our volunteer very supportive. Thank you Home-Start.”