Home-Start launches vital new service to support parents of children with Autism and ADHD

Mum of three, Chelsea, who receives support from Home-Start Rochdale and Bury

Home-Start Rochdale and Bury’s Rochdale Autism and ADHD Support Service (RAASS) is now available to all families living in the Rochdale borough.

Home-Start is Greater Manchester’s leading family support charity, recruiting and training local volunteers to visit families in their own homes, and offering emotional and practical support.

Confidential and non-judgmental help is offered to families for a range of reasons, including poverty, isolation, domestic abuse, illness and disability and poor mental health. Each of the four Home-Starts also offer bespoke projects that meet the needs of families in their local communities.

The demand for support for parents with children on the Autistic spectrum is high in the borough of Rochdale, and Sam Freeman, Autism & ADHD Coordinator for Home-Start says a service like this will make a difference to the lives of many families.

Sam said: “In Rochdale there are an increasing number of families waiting on the pathway for an assessment for Autism, and on a daily basis Home-Start receives several requests for help, where families have received a diagnosis and are needing support after diagnosis, or who are still awaiting a diagnosis for their child. Covid has also had an impact on families needing extra support due to isolation, an increase in their children’s challenging behaviour, anxiety, self-harm and transitioning back into education.”

Home-Start Rochdale and Bury’s RAASS project will include:

• Regular home visiting support from a Coordinator, Support worker and fully trained volunteers.
• Sam's Sib's Support Group which supports siblings of children with a diagnosis of Autism.
• Information sessions - improving access for parents who work full time.
• Twice a month group drop- in support sessions in Middleton and Rochdale for parents of children with additional needs - no diagnosis required.
• Inclusive park sessions for all families.
• Telephone support—daytime.

Chelsea, a mum of three who receives support from Home-Start Rochdale and Bury, said: "Home-Start supported me and my family through the toughest time of my life. If it wasn’t for them, my life would be very different. I honestly don’t know where my family would be without them."

Families living in Rochdale who want to find out more about the RAASS project, can self- refer to Home-Start either by email – sam.hsrb@gmail.com or telephone – 07582 785639.

To find out more about the work of Home-Start Rochdale and Bury, to receive support, volunteer or fundraise, please visit www.homestartrochdaleandbury.org.uk

Home-Start Rochdale and Bury’s RAASS project is funded by Heywood Middleton and Rochdale CCG.