Local family support charity Home-Start Oxford was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales today for a special visit to see first-hand how the organisation supports families with young children across Oxfordshire.
During the visit, The Princess of Wales met with parents, children, volunteers and staff to hear about the charity’s impact in the community. Families spoke about how Home-Start’s compassionate, non-judgemental support had helped them overcome challenges, while staff and volunteers described how the charity fosters connection, resilience and hope for those who need it most.
Supporting Families for Nearly Four Decades
Founded in 1988, Home-Start Oxford provides free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children across Oxford city, central and west Oxfordshire. Through a combination of home visits and community groups, the charity assists families facing a range of challenges, from postnatal depression and isolation to bereavement, disability or financial pressures.
In the past year alone, Home-Start Oxford supported 541 families and 740 children, helping them build stronger relationships and access vital emotional and practical support.
A Shared Commitment to Early Years
The Princess’ visit coincides with Home-Start UK’s rollout of new volunteer training based on The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Explainer Series, a collection of seven animated films and resources launched in August.
These animations highlight the science of early social and emotional development, demonstrating how simple, everyday moments of connection between parents and young children can have lifelong benefits.
During her visit, The Princess joined a group of Home-Start Oxford volunteers to watch the animations and discuss how this knowledge can further enhance their work with families.
She also visited a special session of Home-Start’s Rose Buds Stay and Play group at Rose Hill Community Centre, where she spoke with parents about their experiences and the challenges of raising young children.
Rose Buds: Connection and Support
Rose Buds is one of several free weekly groups run by Home-Start Oxford, providing a relaxed, welcoming space for families to connect, build friendships and access support. Activities include sensory and messy play, singing, storytelling and movement, alongside advice from trained staff and volunteers.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home-Start Oxford, said:
“It was such a pleasure to welcome The Princess of Wales and share the work we’re doing to support local families. Her genuine passion for children’s earliest years shone through in her thoughtful conversations with both families and volunteers.
The work of the Centre for Early Childhood resonates deeply with our ethos at Home-Start Oxford. Our support is all about helping parents build those vital early relationships — something that can be incredibly difficult when facing pressures like financial strain, isolation or poor mental health. These animations will be a powerful tool for our volunteers, empowering them and, in turn, empowering the families they support.”
Families Reflect on the Visit
Jasmine, a mum supported by Home-Start Oxford, said:
“I never imagined I’d be speaking with the Princess — it was an amazing experience. It’s easy to forget that she’s a mum just like us. I shared my experiences of being a parent and how Home-Start has re-lit a spark in me. They’ve encouraged me every step of the way, and it’s meant the world to us.”
Lisa, another parent, added:
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We talked about what bringing up young children is like and how important groups like this are. My child has grown up in Home-Start groups — it’s something we look forward to every week. I’ve made friends here and watched our children develop together, which has been so special.”
About Home-Start Oxford
Home-Start Oxford is part of the Home-Start UK network — a nationwide family support movement dedicated to improving children’s early years and strengthening family relationships. Its mission is to ensure every parent has the support they need to give their children the best possible start in life.
For more information, visit www.homestartoxford.org.uk or contact:
info@homestartoxford.org.uk | 01865 779991
