Get Support
Home-Start Caithness provides the following support for families in Caithness
Mellow Growing Together
Mellow Growing Together is a flexible, trauma-informed parenting program developed by Mellow Parenting to support parents of children aged 0–5 years.
Purpose
- Helps parents reflect on themselves and their relationships.
- Promotes positive parent-child interaction and responsive caregiving.
- Builds a support network for parents while improving family well-being.
Outcomes for Parents
- Improved responsive caregiving.
- Stronger parent-child relationships.
- Greater confidence and family well-being.
Antenatal Peep Sessions
Part of the Peep Antenatal Programme: “Getting to Know Your Baby”, an evidence-based parenting initiative designed for expectant parents.
Here’s what they involve:
What is Antenatal Peep?
- A structured programme for parents-to-be, usually starting from around 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- Focuses on bonding with your baby before birth, understanding early brain development, and preparing for the transition to parenthood.
Goals of the Programme
- Help parents tune in to their baby’s feelings and respond sensitively (reflective functioning).
- Promote secure attachment and emotional well-being.
- Increase awareness of social and emotional changes during pregnancy.
- Support early learning and brain development.
- Reduce risks like isolation, anxiety, and low-level depression by building a support network.
- Builds confidence and self-esteem for parents.
- Enhances parent-baby bonding.
- Contributes to better child cognitive development and resilience.
Peep Learning Together
- A structured but flexible programme for parents of children aged 0–5 years.
- Focuses on strengthening parent-child relationships and improving the home learning environment.
- Delivered by trained practitioners in groups, one-to-one, or drop-in sessions, either in person or online.
Programme Content
Covers
- Personal, social and emotional development.
- Communication and language.
- Early literacy.
- Early maths.
- Health and physical development.
Benefits
- Helps parents:
- Build warm, responsive relationships.
- Create a rich language environment.
- Support early learning through play and conversation.
- Helps children:
- Become confident communicators and learners.
- Improve school readiness.
Book a Break
Our aim is to give parents peace of mind knowing their child is cared for in a safe and supportive environment while they attend important commitments.
Who is it for?
- Parents with medical, legal, or personal appointments.
- Families facing unexpected circumstances where childcare is needed.
How does it work?
- Pre-book your slot through our service.
- Qualified and vetted Staff ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
- Flexible options for short-term care.
Kinship Carers Group
- Peer support – A safe space for carers to share experiences, challenges, and successes.
- Information and advice – Guidance on practical issues like benefits, legal rights, and child development.
- Emotional support – Reducing isolation and stress by connecting with others in similar situations.
- Social connection – Opportunities for carers to relax, chat, and build friendships.
Mums Group
- Connection and community: A safe space for mums to share experiences, challenges, and tips.
- Emotional support: Helps reduce isolation and stress, especially for new parents.
- Information sharing: Discussions on child development, health, and parenting strategies.
Young Mums Group
Specifically for mothers who are in their teens or early twenties.
Purpose
- Peer support: A safe space for young mothers to share experiences and challenges.
- Practical advice: Topics like baby care, budgeting, education, and employment.
- Confidence building: Helps reduce isolation and stigma often faced by young parents.
Sunflower Group
- Emotional support.
- Sign posting.
- Community connection.
Holiday Activities
- Craft sessions.
- Nature walks.
- Exciting days out for children and their parents.
- Group sessions run throughout the holidays.
Dads Group
- Provide connection and peer support for dads, especially new fathers or those adjusting to parenthood.
- Share experiences and advice on parenting, child development, and family life.
- Promote involvement in children’s lives and strengthen father-child relationships.
Parents Under Pressure (PuP)
Parents Under Pressure (PuP) is a program designed to support parents in managing the everyday challenges and stresses of family life while focusing on their own well-being. By taking care of your mental health, you can foster a calmer, more positive, and more stable home environment for your children.
Over the course of eight sessions, parents will learn practical strategies to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and promote positive family relationships. The program aims to help families build safe, nurturing connections that create a strong foundation for children to grow and thrive.
Baby Massage
- Techniques for gentle, safe massage on different parts of the baby’s body.
- Understanding cues: How to read your baby’s signals for comfort or overstimulation.
- Strengthens parent-baby bonding.
- Helps with relaxation and sleep.
- Can ease colic, constipation, and teething discomfort.
Cooking Confidence Classes
We offer Cooking Confidence classes to help parents build skills and enjoy preparing meals with ease.
Food Share Cupboard
- Reduce food poverty.
- Encourage sharing and sustainability.
- Build community connections.
Home Start’s Values
Do you have a genuine interest in joining our Board of Trustees?
- We offer families a choice.
- We work in partnership – with each other, with families and with other agencies.
- We work in a spirit of openness, encouragement and enjoyment.
- We are flexible and responsive to the needs of families.



