About Home-Start
Home-
Who we are
Established in Croydon in 1989, Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five.
The scheme was set up by a steering committee of local interested parties, instigated by members from the Croydon Guild (now Croydon Voluntary Action) and a grant from Opportunities for Volunteering. They employed their first organiser in April 1989, shortly followed by an administrator.
Since then the scheme as grown from strength to strength growing and adapting to meet the ever changing needs from families in the borough taking on and trailing many innovative projects that complement our core work along the way.
The team
- Derek Terrell – Scheme Operations Manager
- Annette Nestor – Finance Manager
- Suzie Jones – Volunteer Development Coordinator
- Louise Fuentes – Groups Coordinator (North and Central)
- Carly Morgan – Groups Coordinator (South)
- Sharon Carpanen – Family Support Coordinator
- Katie Bridges – Family Support Coordinator
- Laura Bailey – Perinatal Support Coordinator
- Freya Cranham – Perinatal Support Coordinator
Helping families in Croydon
since 1989
Families helped
Children supported
What we do
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to supporting local families through our Family Support Home-Visiting Service, Family Play Sessions and specialist projects.
Our Family Support Home-Visiting Service provides one-to-one support to families who are struggling to cope. Support is provided by trained volunteers in the family’s home or local community. For more information about the service visit our Get Support page.
Our Perinatal Support Service provides one-to-one support to parents who are struggling with their mental health or are at risk of mental health diffficulties during the perinatal period. Support is provided by trained volunteers in the family’s home or local community. For more information about the service visit our Get Support page.
Our peer-led Stay & Play Groups are held all over the borough and are run by trained volunteers. For more information visit the Stay & Play Groups section on our Get Support page.
For more information about volunteering for us, contact us here or email us on contact@croydon-homestart.co.uk. Alternatively, see our Volunteer page.
Areas we cover
Home-Start Croydon serves the London Borough of Croydon.
Family-Support Home-Visting Service – Case Studies
Maria
Maria and her partner Sel were referred to Home-Start Croydon by their Health Visitor. They had a 2 year old daughter and baby twins. Sel worked...
Aisha
Aisha and her one-year-old son were referred to us by a local charity who supports asylum seekers. Aisha was new to the UK, she had no local support...
Elisabeth
Elisabeth was referred to us by the Special Educational Needs team at Croydon Council. She lived alone with her new baby and her four year old son...
Current vacancies
Family Support Volunteer
Family Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to struggling families either in the family’s home or in their local community. By volunteering just 2-3 hours a week you can help a local family navigate challenges, access essential resources, and build resilience. Your time can make a significant difference, offering emotional support, practical assistance, and a listening ear.
You do not need any prior experience for this role, we just ask that you have some understanding of the struggles of parenting, either as a parent yourself or through experience caring for young children.
For further information see out volunteer page or contact us.
Perinatal Support Volunteer
Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support during pregnancy and to up to nine months after the birth. Support is provided either in the family’s home or in their local community. By volunteering just 2-3 hours a week you can help a local family to navigate the challenges they face duing this difficult period, and support them to access essential resources and build resilience. Your time can make a significant difference, offering emotional support, practical assistance, and a listening ear.
You do not need any prior experience for this role, we just ask that you have some understanding of the struggles of parenting, either as a parent yourself or through experience caring for young children. We especially welcome hearing from people with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.
For further information see out volunteer page or contact us.
Stay and Play Group Volunteer
Our Stay and Play Group Volunteers help provide family play sessions across the borough. By volunteering just 2-3 hours a week (term time only) you can help create a welcoming space for families where they can connect, children can thrive, and parents can build supportive networks.
You do not need any previous experience for this role, we just ask that you have a friendly attitude, a willingness to help, and a passion for supporting families in your community.
For further information about becoming a Peer Group Volunteer see our volunteer page or contact us.
Our Trustees
Home-Start Croydon is governed by a committee of volunteer trustees.
Trustees are responsible for:
- Making the charity effective
- Providing overall strategic direction
- Maintaining sound management of funds
Trustees can have a variety of skills and experience from a wide range of backgrounds. No special qualifications are needed but it is important to have:
- good interpersonal skills.
- a practical approach to working with people.
- an understanding of the pressures facing parents and an interest in supporting your local community.
- You may bring a particular expertise to the Board, such as professional skills in finance, IT, business or personnel management or marketing and PR, but equally as important are listening and communication skills, commitment and common sense.
Please contact us on contact@croydon-homestart.co.uk to find out more if you are interested in becoming a Trustee.
Barbara Frost
Chair of Trustees
and
Safeguarding Lead
Meet Barbara:
How long have you been a trustee? I joined Home-Start Croydon 6 months after the charity was born.
Why did you decide to volunteer for Home-Start? I was immediately drawn to Home-Start Croydon, it’s values and ethos. I trained as a volunteer visiting two families over two years, joining the committee as a volunteer rep. I then became Vice Chair. My aim was to get us out there.
Hobbies/Interests? I have an interest in the rights of workers, politics, the suffragette movement (as my nan was one and helped implement the first child protection policy). I like reading, socialising and eating out! I love spending time with my grandchildren and avidly support Treatsma.
Jane Ford
Treasurer
Abhai Bhargava
Trustee
Helen Butlin
Trustee
Jane Burton
Trustee
Nessa Keddo
Trustee
Ruth Cloves
Trustee
Sally Cloves
Trustee
Meet Sally:
How long have you been a trustee? About 22 years.
Why did you decide to become a trustee volunteer? Persuaded by then Chair, then found it did such a wonderful work in the Croydon community. I wanted to ensure it was able to carry on.
Name one of your hobbies? I love to go on holiday
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.