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Supporting Families, Nurturing Childhoods
Since 1995, Home‑Start Shepway has been helping parents and young children overcome life’s challenges with compassion, guidance, and care.
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Who We Are
Home‑Start Shepway is a local community charity that has been supporting families in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh since 1995. As part of the national Home‑Start network of trained volunteers and expert staff, we work closely with parents and carers of young children through life’s toughest challenges. Our support is compassionate, confidential, and non‑judgemental, tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.
We believe that “childhood can’t wait”. Our mission is to empower families to build on their strengths, grow in confidence, and create brighter futures for their children, providing practical guidance, emotional encouragement, and social support to help every child thrive.
Nicky Deane
Chair
As a former primary head teacher and grandmother, I have dedicated my life to improving children's wellbeing. Having lived in Folkestone for eight years, I am now delighted to support the Home-Start Shepway team and their impressive work.
Penny Marsh
Team Member
After moving to Kent in her teens, this former social worker spent 39 years serving the community before retiring to a busy life of local involvement. She now serves as a Home-Start Trustee and school governor, while also organizing community clubs to raise funds for her local church.
Tina Leslie
Team Member
After years of rewarding experience as a Home-Start volunteer, this retired Trustee remains passionately committed to supporting the organization’s vital work with families and domestic abuse survivors. Driven by a belief in the program's life-changing impact, they now aim to contribute to the team’s mission in this leadership capacity.
Gwen Finch
Team Member
I decided to become a trustee because, after 30 years as a Health Visitor , I found Homestart an invaluable support for some of my vulnerable families. They helped them enormously by helping them in their homes with housing issues, debt issues, managing household budgets, and giving support regarding children’s behaviour and development. Taking them to GP appointments and other healthcare needs.
Tracey Perrow
Team Member
Having retired from managing another Home-Start scheme, this Trustee remains passionate about the vital importance of a child's early years and the life-changing support the organization provides. They advocate for the power of volunteering, noting how it not only benefits families but also offers fulfilling career pathways, as demonstrated by their own daughters.
What We Do
We work alongside families to decide the best type of help for them, providing support that is tailored, flexible, and respectful.
Home‑visiting support delivered by trained volunteers
Group activities, parenting programmes and play sessions
One‑to‑one support, including online or telephone support
Access to specialist advice and local services
What Families Say
“I refer to Home-Start because families get the support they need quickly, often within a week. Billie Pateman is extremely knowledgeable and provides bespoke packages that enhance our school's offer. From expert advice and CPD to coffee mornings and holiday activities, the support for our vulnerable families has been fantastic. We are incredibly grateful to the whole team for their help and donations. Thank you, Home-Start!”
“Thank you for your help and making me feel better in all of this. Appreciate it a lot made me feel reassured in the stuff that’s gone on. I’m sure the outcome is going to be a good one for me. It was a pleasure to meet such a kind helpful person enjoyed our chats. Many thanks”
“Home-Start Shepway supported me during lockdown when I was very alone, helping me transition back into the community and gain confidence. My daughter benefited greatly, making friends and attending many activities. I later volunteered with Home-Start, where the training I received helped me secure full-time employment. Even small gestures, like organized walks and treats, made a huge difference to my morale. I am incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff and only regret not knowing about Home-Start sooner.”
What Volunteers Say
“After completing my training, I supported a young single parent for two years through weekly home visits. This experience was challenging but rewarding as I helped the parent gain independence, manage responsibilities, and build the confidence to eventually become a volunteer. The charity provides an ongoing training programme to develop your skills in areas like domestic abuse support and child development. I recommend volunteering with Home-Start to anyone who believes that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
“In 2018, I became a volunteer at Home-Start Shepway to support other women through domestic abuse. After completing an interesting and helpful preparation course, I joined the Butterflies group, where I still volunteer today. Home-Start Shepway is a friendly, welcoming, and safe environment. I am forever grateful to the team for their support and for welcoming me into their group.”
“The Domestic Abuse Awareness training was a very informative course. Sam who took the training was very professional, and put over all information in a well spoken, lovely relaxed manor. I feel I have a lot more understanding of this. Thank you.”
Our Policies
Home-Start Shepway has Policies and Procedures in place that support the way we work with families and our responsibilities. We have listed some of our main ones on this page for your information. If you have any questions about these policies or others we may have then please contact us.
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