At the heart of our work are the families and communities of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde where HSRI has put down deep roots. We believe our communities are full of amazing, proud people who care deeply about giving their babies and children the best possible start in life. Families tell us they value the strong sense of belonging here and the community spirit.
We also know that Renfrewshire and Inverclyde have faced more than their fair share of challenges. Many families experience financial hardship, unemployment, health inequalities, social isolation and poor mental wellbeing. Child poverty rates remain high and too many children are starting school without the confidence, stability and readiness they deserve.
We walk alongside families to tackle these challenges together. Whether it is through one-to-one home visiting, peer support groups or evidence-based parenting programmes we know that families thrive when they feel connected, respected and supported.
Whilst Renfrewshire and Inverclyde are unique in their history and character they also share challenges common to many other communities across Scotland. This gives HSRI the opportunity to take what we learn locally and apply it more widely working in partnership to ensure families everywhere can flourish.
HSRI’s model connects families with trained volunteers and practitioners who provide warm, respectful and practical support, mostly in the home and community. We also create opportunities for families to connect with each other through peer support groups and to build skills and confidence through evidence-based parenting programmes.
We invest in lived experience, local knowledge and relational practice so that support feels relevant, safe and effective. Our approach ensures that families have access to both the warmth of relational support and the strength of proven methods that help parents and children to thrive.
Home-Start began with a simple, powerful belief: that the best way to help a child is to support their parents.
From our humble beginnings to our current work across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, discover how “ordinary people doing extraordinary things” became a movement of compassion and connection.
