Our Family Groups run weekly in Leavesden and South Oxhey, with a partner group in Hertsmere. Access is by referral only through our home-visiting service, ensuring each family receives personalised, wraparound support as part of our holistic approach to improving family wellbeing.
Led by an experienced Early Years Practitioner and supported by trained group volunteers—some of whom have previously accessed our services—the groups provide a safe, consistent, and nurturing environment where carers and children under five are welcomed, supported, and included. We break down barriers by offering free, accessible sessions where language, culture, disability, or income are never obstacles to participation, once a quarter, we offer a dedicated self-care session for parents.
Home-Start provides Family Group sessions during term time for referred families. They run in 3 locations:
The sessions focus on building social connections, reducing isolation, and fostering a sense of belonging. Through open, trusting relationships between families, staff, and volunteers, we’ve identified important unmet needs—such as limited access to sensory toys for neurodivergent children—which we are actively working to address.
These are more than play sessions—they are lifelines, offering the consistency, connection, and confidence that help carers and children grow and thrive together.
Louise C, Family Group Manager
Family Group is more than just a playgroup — it’s a warm, welcoming space where families can have fun together, feel supported, and build lasting friendships. We combine parental support with early years development in line with the EYFS, creating a safe environment where everyone is understood and no one feels alone.
Nayna, Family Group Assistant
When I was being supported by Home-Start my son and I enjoyed attending the Family Groups on Tuesdays, which made me passionate about joining the Home-Start team to give back to families like they did for us.
Should you be looking for something else, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Activities are guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and include creative, play-based learning that supports early development and strengthens family bonds. Recent examples include crafting moon baskets for Eid, edible farm roleplay, Teddy Bears’ Picnics, a pop-up bookshop, and self-care themed activities promoting healthy habits. We also model positive parent-child interaction through guided play, encourage good eating behaviours with shared healthy snack times, and build communication and literacy through storytime.
Carers benefit from peer support, emotional encouragement, and opportunities to relax and share experiences in a warm, welcoming space. Once a quarter, we offer a dedicated self-care session for parents, providing time to reflect, connect, and build resilience.
Our groups also act as a vital conduit to local services. We regularly invite trusted partners—such as the Healthy Hub, Watford Women’s Centre, and benefits advisers—to share advice and signpost carers to support with housing, finance, mental health, and more. The groups also act as a launch point for peer mentors, who support others to access wider community assets such as libraries, parks, and hubs.
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Contact
Company Number 05385393
Charity Number 1108847
Find Us
Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers
The Lord-Lieutentant’s Charity Hub
6 Hercules Way
Leavesden
Watford
WD25 7GS
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