‘Bump-Start’ is an innovative programme supporting families right through pregnancy, the birth experience and the first year of their baby’s life. The programme aims to empower families to give their child the best possible start in life.

Being a Mum is never easy, particularly the first time around.

Being an expectant parent combined with rural living and over 20 miles from the nearest maternity support services can be really tough.

Key elements of the Bump-Start approach:

• Working from pregnancy: In addition to Home-Start’s core training, which covers Attachment theory, an understanding of Mind mindedness, Mentalisation and Post-natal Depression. Bump-Start volunteers complete additional modules in maternal and infant mental health, and breastfeeding awareness.
• Family led: Home-Start believes parents are the first and most important educators of their children. Bump- Start coordinators are trained to build on families’ strengths and resources, working collaboratively with families towards their increased confidence and independence. The support we offer is non-judgemental and flexible so that it can meet the individual needs of diverse families.
• Attachment: All staff and volunteers are trained in attachment theory. Bump-Start fosters early bonding through supporting parents to interact with their babies, and respond to their needs in a mindful way.
• Therapeutic component: When a mother is anxious or depressed during pregnancy or soon after having her baby. This can have a long-term detrimental effect on the quality of attachment between mothers and babies, and infant development. By supporting women through pregnancy, we can improve life chances for those children and families.

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities