Sometimes families need a bit more than a friendly chat and a cuppa. When things are really tough, Home-Start Newry & Mourne offers a range of specialist services to help you and your children through the difficult times.
Rapid Response — Crisis Parenting Support
Our Rapid Response service is for families who are in crisis or at the point of crisis. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, this service provides immediate, intensive support in your home — usually for 8 to 10 weeks.
Our experienced family support workers can help with behavioural management, routines, weaning and diet, attachment, debt management, mental health, and emotional support.
Unlike our standard home visiting, Rapid Response support can be provided in the evenings, early mornings, or at weekends — whenever you need it most.
Drawing and Talking Therapy / Sand Therapy
For primary school age children who are struggling emotionally, we offer Drawing and Talking therapy — a gentle, creative 12-week programme that helps children express and work through their feelings. We’ve also trained in Sand Therapy and group work to extend this support.
This service is in high demand, with waiting lists, which tells us just how much it’s needed.
Multi-Sensory Room
Since 2017, we’ve been providing one-to-one multi-sensory play sessions in our fully equipped sensory room. Children are referred for a variety of reasons — they may or may not have a diagnosis.
Each child receives a tailored 4 to 6 week programme designed around their age, stage of development, and individual needs. Sessions are child-led, calming, and focused on enhancing skills through sensory exploration.
“I have learnt a lot about my child’s senses and how to continue developing them with her. I’ve learnt about senses I didn’t even know we have. I’ve learnt calming and soothing methods and how important these are for my child.”
— Parent
Counselling
We offer counselling support for parents who might otherwise face long waiting lists for statutory services. Through the generosity of our volunteer counsellors — including student placements — parents can access individual and group support to help them work through difficulties and build resilience.
Happy and Safe at Home
Our home safety programme helps families feel secure in their homes. This includes home safety checks, onward referrals for safety equipment where needed, and advocacy work — liaising with the Housing Executive and landlords on your behalf. Because feeling safe at home matters.
School Readiness
We help parents develop a positive home learning environment and support children through the big transition to formal education. From play-based learning to building routines, we work alongside you to make sure your child is ready and confident.
“My children get so excited when she arrives in our drive. They love 1:1 play and group play with her and also love to show her their achievements such as pupil of the week.”
— Parent
Last year, 145 families completed their support with us — every single one rated the service as good or excellent. When asked what matters most, 72% of parents said it was simply having someone “being there”.
How to Access Specialist Support
All of our specialist services are free and confidential. Referrals can come from health visitors, social workers, GPs, schools, or other professionals. You can also contact us directly.