Home-Start Medway

Who we are

Home-Start Medway is an award-winning registered charity that has supported families across Medway since 1987. Our purpose is to make sure parents and carers have the right support, at the right time, so they can give their children the best possible start in life. Our work focuses on parents and carers with children aged 0 to 5, including families who are isolated, overwhelmed, experiencing poor mental health, domestic abuse, financial pressure, housing difficulties or challenges with parenting.

Through a team of trained volunteers and skilled staff, we provide regular, practical and emotional  through 1-1 support in the families home and / or a range of targeted groups within the Community, leading to improved confidence, reduced isolation and strengthened family relationships.

Our culture and values

Home Start Medway believes that every child deserves the best possible start in life and that parents are best supported through compassionate, non judgemental help from trained staff and volunteers. Our work is built on dignity, trust, respect, inclusion and the belief that families can build on their own strengths when given the right support.

Our core working practices are to:

• Put children and families at the centre of everything we do.
• Provide confidential, compassionate and non judgemental support.
• Empower parents and carers to grow in confidence and resilience.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
• Work alongside families rather than doing things for them.
• Build strong partnerships with local organisations to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Safeguard children and vulnerable adults through robust policies and professional practice.

In summary, Home Start Medway's approach is founded on kindness, trust and respect, helping families develop the confidence, relationships and community connections needed for children to thrive.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Home Start Medway is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all staff, volunteers and trustees are treated with dignity, trust and respect. We actively promote equality, value diversity and take positive action to challenge racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Our recruitment, development, promotion and retention practices are designed to be fair, transparent and free from bias, ensuring that no individual is treated less favourably because of characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio economic background or caring responsibilities. 

We expect everyone representing Home Start Medway to help foster a culture of inclusion and respect. All concerns relating to discrimination or unfair treatment are taken seriously, investigated promptly and addressed appropriately. We support accessibility and make reasonable adjustments wherever possible, encourage ongoing equality, diversity and inclusion training, and work to remove barriers that may disadvantage individuals. Through these actions, we aim to create a workforce that reflects and welcomes the diversity of the communities we serve.