What is a Home-Start Family Group?

Family Groups are usually held once a week and last for about 2 hours.  They are informal and the atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly.  There are craft activities and play equipment for the children - and coffee, tea and drinks are provided for everyone.  Everything is free. 

Parents say they enjoy the chance to relax and make new friends, share ideas and experiences, find new interests, gain self-confidence and generally take advantage of the activities on offer.

Qualified and experienced Home-Start staff organise the activities and are always available to provide a 'listening ear' if needed.

Some of the activities & services offered in the Groups:

	Swimming trips
	Trips to play centres - Jungle Jims & Snappys
	Heuristic play session
	Visits by Kent Fire Brigade to talk about fire safety
	Visits to Environment Centre
	Paediatric First Aid courses
	Health Visitor visits
	Healthy eating
	Toy libraries
	Bounce & Rhyme in most sessions
	Physical play
	Parenting workshops
	Summer 'meet ups' in the school holidays
	Visits to library for story telling sessions
	Library visited groups to do story time
	Imaginative dressing-up
	Creative art & craft
	Parent/child interaction
	Yoga - child & parent
	Christmas parties

How to join a Family Group

For more information about Family Groups in your area you can contact us or ask your health visitor, social worker, midwife or GP.

Faversham Family Group,
Faversham
Mondays 10.00am - 12.00pm

Joy Lane Playtime Family Group,
Whitstable
Tuesdays 9.30am - 11.30am

Hersden Family Group,
Canterbury
Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm

St Andrews Family Group,
Whitstable
Wednesdays 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Harbour Playtime with Home-Start,
Whitstable
Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.00am

Greenhill Family Group,
Greenhill, Herne Bay
Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00pm

Querns Family Group,
Canterbury
Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00pm

Lucerne Family Group,
Seasalter, Whitstable
Fridays 10.00am - 12.00pm

Playtime with Home-Start,
Herne Bay
Fridays 10.00am - 11.45am

All Home-Start Family Groups meet once a week during term times.