Welcome to Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur

Helping Local Families for 26 Years

Supporting over 9,500 children and 4,250 families across coastal West Sussex — from Southwick to Pagham

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We’re local people helping local families

For 26 years, Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur has been there for families when life gets tough – providing early, personalised support that makes a lasting difference, helping parents navigate challenges before they become overwhelming — both relieving pressure on overstretched services and improving the wellbeing of thousands of children.

We’re a community-run service of local parents and grandparents with lived experience – we understand how difficult family life can sometimes be. We offer compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental support in the ways families need it most — through home visits, phone calls, local family groups, professional counselling or out in the community. We walk alongside families with empathy and kindness.

Why it matters

Parenting can be lonely, overwhelming and incredibly tough. When experiencing domestic abuse, bereavement, post-natal depression, financial struggles, a child’s illness or the day-to-day exhaustion of parenting without a support network – it can push families to crisis point. And when parents are struggling, children suffer too – often silently. The emotional and physical cost to children experiencing tragedy and hardship can last a lifetime.

That’s why we’re here — our volunteers and staff provide a lifeline – someone to listen, to offer reassurance, to help a parent to feel seen, valued, capable and connected again. This strengthens the relationship between parent and child and gives children the security and care they need to thrive, to give them the best possible start in life.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that simple, human connection — parent to parent, neighbour to neighbour — has the power to change lives. Our approach is proven, trusted, and deeply personal. And it works: time and again, we see how consistent, caring support helps families to heal, grow stronger, rediscover joy in everyday moments and build better futures together.

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Get Support

If you’re a parent or know someone needing help, you are not alone. Click here to find out how we can help and make a referral.

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Family and volunteer stories

Discover firsthand the difference we have made to the lives of local children, their families & our volunteers

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Our supporters

Take inspiration from all the wonderful individuals, businesses, community & faith groups, Town & Parish Councils, Trusts & Foundations who generously supported our work last year. Find out more…

We are making a difference in Arun, Worthing and Adur

Children Supported

Families Supported

Volunteers

During 2024-25

You can help to make a difference

Your time and donations help create a better start for local children. Whether you donate, volunteer, or raise funds — every bit of support counts.

Join 100’s of supporters helping local children get the future they deserve

Donate today

Your gift will give local children a brighter future. Click here to discover all the different ways you can donate

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Volunteer

A few hours a week can transform the lives of children and their families where you live. Click here to discover the different ways to volunteer

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Fundraise

Help us support more families – start fundraising today and make a difference in your own way.

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What is the Home Start Hour?

The Home Start Hour is a brand new flexible volunteering opportunity created to make it easier than ever to support local families. You simply pledge1 hour a week and how you use that hour is completely up to you. This role is perfect for anyone who wants to help but needs flexibility around work, family life, health needs or other commitments. Every hour donated helps us reduce isolation, build confidence in parents, and give children the best possible start in life.

What Can the Home Start Hour Include?

Your weekly hour can be shaped around your skills, experience, interests and availability and it will still make a meaningful impact. Examples include:

Light Practical Support

• Leaflet dropping in your local community
• Helping us share information about groups, events or campaigns
• Collecting or delivering essential items such as donated toiletries or Christmas hampers

Event and Fundraising Support

• Assisting at a fundraising event or community stall
• Helping prepare raffle prizes or organise event materials
• Making crafts, bakes or items we can sell or use for fundraising
• Being an “on the day” helper at family activities or local events

Emotional Support and Family Connection

• Having a friendly coffee with a parent who needs someone to talk to
• A buggy walk with a parent and child who may be isolated
• Providing a listening ear over a phone call
• Being a warm reliable point of connection for a family

Digital and Office Support

• Creating simple social media content
• Helping share posts or raise awareness online
• Assisting with admin tasks in the office
• Supporting with research or organising materials

Use Your Skills Any Skills

Perhaps you have a talent or hobby you would love to share such as photography, crafting, storytelling, fitness, music, DIY or something else entirely.
If you can offer it, we can find a way for it to help a local family.

Why the Home Start Hour Matters

Even a single hour a week can:
✔ Help a parent feel less alone
✔ Reduce stress for families facing challenging circumstances
✔ Support children’s early development
✔ Strengthen our local community
✔ Allow Home Start to reach more people when they need us most

Apply online now by clicking on the button below.

Volunteer Expression of Interest Form

Clicking on the button will take you to a Google Form, close the window to return to here.

“I feel gratitude for being able to access such a wonderful resource, Gratitude for my boys, for resilience, and for the village I found in Home-Start and for memories my children and I will have for a lifetime!”

“My Home-Start volunteer listens, she’s kind, calm and never once judged me. And she is just wonderful with the kids. She’s made a world of difference – to all three of us. I’ll never stop being grateful.”

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Latest News and Events from Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur

The section below shows the last three items in the News and Events categories. Click on the image, title or read more link on any of the items below to view the detail. You can see all of the news from Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur by following this link: News and Events