As a Health Visitor, working with the South Runnymede Health Visiting Team in Chertsey, Addlestone and Ottershaw, referral to Home-Start Runnymede is an invaluable means of support to many families.
Each family has differing needs. Parenting young children is a stressful time; these pressures for many families are increased when experiencing a range of factors from physical or mental health problems including post natal depression, to multiple births, bereavement or managing larger families.
Home-Start Runnymede accepts referrals quickly and sensitively and achieves a supportive link between volunteer and family.
The friendship and practical support that a volunteer provides makes a significant difference for families and this is clear from feedback.
Home-Start volunteers enable parents to have more ‘quality’ time themselves and with their children. Practical support in attending hospital appointments or child health clinics helps improve the health outcomes for parents and children.
Home-Start Runnymede also helps many families access community facilities such as mother and toddler groups as well as the Home-Start run “play days” and community events.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Home-Start Runnymede organisers and volunteers for their invaluable service, which contributes enormously to the improved well-being of parents and children in Runnymede.”
Janice Coulson
Health Visitor (Addlestone)

The North Surrey Health Visiting Team have made several referrals to Home-Start Runnymede in the past year. The families have mostly needed regular on-going support and practical help in managing their domestic life. Some of these families have very little support from their own families and the help offered by the Home-Start volunteers is invaluable. Home-Start volunteers have been able to make positive and constructive relationships with parents and helped them to gain confidence and enhance their social network.
Maria Marsh
Health Visitor (Egham)