Referrals
Referrals to Home-Start
All Supported Families are Referred to Home-Start East Fife
Home-Start East Fife will accept a referral from any source as long as the family:
- has at least one child under the age of five;
- is suffering stress or experiencing difficulties (whatever the reason);
- agrees to the referral being made;
- lives in East Fife.
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Home-Start East Fife works alongside other agencies from both the statutory and voluntary sector, and receives referrals from:
- Health Visitors
- Social Workers
- Teachers and others in Education
- Nurseries/Playgroups
- Community Psychiatric Nurses
- Other Voluntary Organisations
- Families themselves
Once a family has been referred and a referral form completed, the co-ordinator will arrange to visit the family to discuss their needs and answer any questions they may have. The co-ordinator will then endeavour to 'match' the family as quickly as possible with a suitable volunteer, who will be introduced to the familyand will visit weekly at an agreed time for as long as there is a need.
Referral Reasons
Referral reasons vary - sometimes there is more than one reason for referral. However, they often include one or more of the following:
- Relationship problems
- Multiple births
- Children/parents with ill health or special needs
- Loneliness/isolation
- Depression/Post natal depression
- Needing help with parenting skills
The help offered will vary according to the specific needs of the family. Friendship, talking, listening, playing with the children, helping in the home or accompanying the family for appointments may all be offered.
The length of time that a volunteer offers support will also vary - weekly visits can take place for a few weeks or for more than a year.
All our volunteers are parents who understand the stresses family life can bring. They will all have PVG membership, attended a Preparation Course and signed agreement to Home-Start East Fife's confidentiality policy.
Once a volunteer is matched to a family, the referrer will be sent written confirmation that the family is receiving support from Home-Start East Fife.
For further information please contact using the form below
