Meeting of the Parliament 16 December 2015
I congratulate Alison McInnes on securing the debate. I agree with my colleague that Home-Start offers a valuable service to families, not only in Garioch but in 32 communities across Scotland. Its impact is crucial to many vulnerable and marginalised groups, including lone parents and families with a parent in prison. It also offers advice to step, foster and adoptive parents, as well as to grandparents who care for their grandchildren.
Home-Start’s model for providing services brings many benefits to local communities. Most importantly, it contributes to creating happier and safer homes. The organisation also strengthens community engagement and cohesion by delivering services locally through volunteers. In Scotland, more than 1,000 Home-Start volunteers support around 2,000 families. I believe that Home-Start Garioch is exemplary for the organisation’s work. As Home-Start Garioch celebrated its 20th anniversary in November, I congratulate the organisation on the occasion. In the past two decades, its volunteers and staff members have assisted many young families with needs. Overall, the organisation has supported 993 families with 2,122 children.
Home-Start Garioch would not be able to provide its services without the dedication and commitment of many volunteers. I take this opportunity to thank volunteers in all the local Home-Start branches across Scotland. It is truly incredible how much time and effort people dedicate to help those who are less fortunate.
Volunteers are expected to have parenting experience, although they receive additional comprehensive training, which covers child protection issues, the role of the health visitor and confidentiality. After training, each participant is matched with a family, which the volunteer visits for several hours a week. The tasks that each volunteer takes on differ greatly, from looking after the children to keeping the parents company over a cup of tea.
Home-Start has also been a vital part of community life in my constituency of Kirkcaldy. In the organisation’s own words:
“Home-Start Kirkcaldy offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in Kirkcaldy, Kinghorn, Burntisland and Cardenden.”
Home-Start Kirkcaldy recently celebrated its 21st anniversary. It was founded in 1994 and has supported around 800 families in the area. Its work is as vital today as it has ever been, especially in the context of the UK Government’s welfare cuts.
At present, 38 Home-Start Kirkcaldy volunteers offer their time to help out families in need. Volunteers also support the crèche, which is available for two days a week. It offers a friendly and safe environment for children to learn through play experiences and have fun while their parents get a little break. Those services can make a real difference and much has been achieved, but we cannot neglect the fact that there are many prevailing issues that are affecting families.
As my colleagues will be aware, the Kirkcaldy area has a high number of teenage mothers, who are often disadvantaged and face many burdens in raising their children. Teenage mothers are less likely to complete their education or to seek further educational opportunities, and as a result they are more likely to be in receipt of some form of income-based benefit or to be employed in low-paid jobs
Another major issue that affects families is child poverty. The sad reality today is that one in four children in Kirkcaldy grow up in poverty. In Scotland, 50,000 children live in cold homes in winter because their parents cannot afford heating costs.
I believe that Home-Start’s work, especially its home visiting scheme, has successfully addressed some aspects of those problems. Enabling parents to feel supported regardless of their circumstances can make an incredible difference in boosting their confidence and allowing them to keep up with daily challenges. I commend not only Home-Start Garioch and Home-Start Kirkcaldy but the other 30 branches in Scotland. Their work has benefited many families with young children, and I urge members to continue supporting their endeavours.
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