Home-Start Volunteers Bring Hope and Connection to Families This Christmas
“She’s worried Santa won’t find us in temporary housing.”
This stark fear, voiced by a parent supported by Home-Start UK, captures the reality for many families this Christmas. Parents striving to keep the magic of the season alive while facing the toughest of times. This year, family charity Home-Start UK is shining a light on the unseen struggles behind the festive sparkle and the strength of parents doing everything they can for their children.
Across the UK, Home-Start volunteers will be stepping through front doors and into family homes. They will be offering a listening ear, practical help, and vital emotional support to parents determined to give their children a joyful Christmas, despite the challenges they face.
For many families, the festive season can highlight hardship rather than happiness. One parent supported by Home-Start shared:
“We’ve watched every house on the street put up Christmas lights and a Christmas tree. We had no tree, no lights and my baby daughter had no gifts to open on Christmas Day. There’s no Christmas spirit in this house. We live on £70 a week. I can’t cover the essentials, let alone any treats.”
It’s stories like this that inspired Home-Start’s new campaign, “Struggle doesn’t stop for Christmas,” which reminds us that not every Christmas moment is magical and not every child experiences the joy they see on television or hear about in the classroom.
At the heart of the campaign is a short, emotional film directed by filmmaker Leah Vlemmiks, V4M Productions Ltd.
The 30-second film follows three children waiting in line to see Santa, each holding the hand of a loving parent. As they wait, we hear their parents share their stories of struggle.
Every week, Home-Start volunteers across the UK bring that same reassurance and warmth into thousands of homes, helping parents find stability, rebuild confidence, and give their children the best possible start in life.
Mel Barry, Head of Marketing at Home-Start UK, said:
“Christmas can be a magical time, but for too many families it’s also a reminder of what they don’t have. Our campaign shows the love of parents doing their very best in impossible circumstances. Our volunteers make the difference, offering comfort and hope to families. With their support, parents find the strength to keep going, and children can still experience the wonder of Christmas. But we can’t do it without the public’s help.”
Last year, Home-Start supported 58,850 families and more than 75,000 children across the UK, meeting each family’s unique needs with kindness and care.
This Christmas, Home-Start UK is calling on the public to donate so that every parent who needs support can find it and every child can feel the warmth, comfort, and joy they deserve.
Donation Link: https://www.home-start.org.uk/donate/christmas-appeal-2025
