As Chief Executive of Home-Start Lambeth, and someone deeply involved in the recent research conducted by Home-Start London, I’ve been reflecting on the powerful stories and stark realities shared by the families we support. This Maternal Mental Health Week, the findings are clear: compassionate, community-based support like ours is not just helpful – it’s transformative.
The headline that jumps out? A staggering 9 in 10 parents tell us their mental health has improved thanks to Home-Start.
Our research paints a picture of parents navigating early parenthood under immense pressure. The cost-of-living crisis, housing insecurity, and stretched public services are taking a significant emotional toll. Here in Lambeth, like in many parts of the capital, the statistics are sobering. While London offers so much, it also grapples with deep inequalities, with a third of children in poverty city-wide (The Childhood Trust) and, 43% of children living in poverty in Lambeth (WALCOT FOUNDATION – walcot foundation). We also know that loneliness is a significant issue in our city (Reconceptualising Loneliness in London, 2022).
Our study, gathering insights from 302 families supported by Home-Starts across London, confirms what we see in Lambeth every day. 60%of parents and carers feel overwhelmed. 51% experience anxiety, and 46% feel lonely and isolated, all or a lot of the time. As one parent shared, “I feel anxious all the time, like I am riding a rollercoaster, where my children are the positive, but there are just so many challenges.”
These anxieties are often rooted in very real financial pressures. Nearly nine in ten families (86%) say money worries are making parenting harder. Basic necessities become a constant source of stress, with 81% feeling anxious due to finances and 61% reporting increased isolation as a result. In the words of one parent “Rent is always our priority, then bills. But in London, the price of everything is going up. It has been a challenge and we’ve gone to our local food bank for help.” Our research highlights that single parents, parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities, and parents with their own health conditions are particularly affected by these financial pressures.
When we asked families what would make the biggest difference, emotional support came out on top (47%), rising to nearly three-quarters (74%) for parents of children with SEND. This underscores the vital role of our trained volunteers and skilled staff who offer compassionate support in family homes.
91% of families reported improved mental health as a result of Home-Start support and 84% feel better equipped to understand and support their child’s development. Across London, last year alone, 750 Home-Start volunteers reached over 6,200 families, helping them navigate those crucial early years.
The message from our research is clear: families need more support, and they need it earlier. Investing in emotional and practical help in the early years is an investment in lifelong wellbeing for both parents and children.
Based on what families have told us, and our daily experiences, we urge policymakers to consider these five key recommendations:
- Invest in early years and family support: Ensure accessible support before crisis hits.
- Address child poverty: Tackle financial pressures through policy changes.
- Ensure safe, secure housing: A stable home is fundamental for families to thrive.
- Value and invest in the voluntary sector: Organisations like Home-Start are a lifeline.
- Prioritise listening to the voices of parents and children: Their lived experiences must shape services.
As Dr Hind Khalifeh, a perinatal mental health expert stated, “Too many women facing mental health challenges in the early stages of parenthood are still slipping through the cracks. Home-Start wraps around them with care, not judgement — offering hope when it’s needed most.”
At Home-Start Lambeth, we see the tangible difference our support makes. Support isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital investment in our future.
We invite you to read the full report [here] and join us in advocating for a London where no parent feels alone and every child gets the best possible start in life.