As an ex-volunteer for Home Start Eastleigh many years ago, I fully appreciate the invaluable work local Home Start organisations do to help struggling families with young children. This view is reinforced by my own expertise in perinatal mental health. The challenges in North Dorset are compounded by the rural nature of the area which makes it much more difficult for families to find and access local resources who can help. Home Start North Dorset has a proven track record of delivering positive outcome across the spectrum of needs. The majority of their work would be classified today as delivering vital local support for perinatal mental health issues such as anxiety, isolation, postnatal depression and low self-esteem.
Dr Andy Mayers
October 2021