In February 2025 we opened our brand-new family centre. Our vision for this space is to establish a safe and enjoyable environment where families can connect with one another to strengthen their support networks. It will also serve as a neutral setting for professionals to meet with families, along with a quiet space for one-on-one support and access to staff whenever needed. We plan to host weekly groups in this space, evolving them into workshops and classes that empower parents with skills in areas of interest, such as writing housing applications, cooking, crafting job applications, applying for college, trauma training, infant mental health, first aid, child development, and more. Importantly, all support will remain completely free for families, which is a vital aspect of the assistance we provide. The centre is also available for hire (On a donation-based rate) to other local groups and organisations.

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Opening Event

The opening event was a fantastic success, and brought together local MSP’s, the HSUK chief Executive, a variety of representatives from the wonderful funders who helped us to realise our dream of opening the family centre, members of the health and social care team, a variety of our existing & former volunteers, trustees, staff and families. We had a number of local press and photographers present on the day who captured the elation in the room through a range of beautiful pictures.

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Completing the Project

We are immensely proud to have led this project and to have seen it evolve from its initial concept to its grand opening. This achievement is the culmination of two years of relentless dedication, commitment, and hard work from our team at Home-Start Lorn, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. The project entailed a complete overhaul and redesign of two vacant shop fronts, transforming them into a new office space for our team and a family centre for local families.

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Equipment

The Family Centre is kitted out with numerous books & toys for children, interactive toys, learning mats, comfy seats and couches, a kitchen with tea & coffee facilities, a washing machine and a wide array of pictures painted by local artists.

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Thanks to…

This project would not have been possible without our incredible partner agencies, who helped to fund the project, this included B&Q Foundation, The National Lottery, The Inner Wheel, and Dawsons Estate Agents, Drax, Oban Common Good, Stafford Trust, Suez Foundation, Tesco Community Fund, Link Group, Moors Kitchen and the CLLD Fund Administered through Argyll and Bute council.

Booking the Space for your Group/Event

If you would like to apply to book the space, please complete the online booking form which can be found in the following location:
https://forms.gle/by4UaNqEKeu1giXt9

If you’d like a paper version form in the post with an SAE, please email Andrew on admin@homestartlorn.org.uk or contact us on 01631 566749 should you have any further questions.