Aims & Objectives

From its inception PATCH’s emphasis on the care of the parents and the families as a whole has allowed the organisation to stand out from other projects and groups.

PATCH is a voluntary organisation and registered charity supporting families who have pre-school children. The trained Volunteer Support Workers help families by supporting them through times of tension, stress and often, difficult periods in their lives. They are enabled by the on-going support of the Volunteer Support Workers to make informed choices regarding their personal development and that of their family.

In order to carry this forward, PATCH works with families in their own homes when families feel that they need individual support. Trained Volunteer Support Workers visit families on a weekly basis for as long as required. In addition, PATCH organises Parent Support Groups. These Groups allow parents to relax and be supported and befriended by the Volunteer Support Workers. The children are offered age appropriate, stimulating activities. In this realistic way we aim to increase parent’s pleasure and personal skills in caring for their young children.

Many families are initially referred to PATCH by other agencies, but do self refer.

In order to fulfill our aims PATCH has created an efficient, informed and respected network within Hartlepool, liaising with both statutory and other voluntary and community agencies.

We also:

• Recruit and train Volunteer Support Workers to an accredited standard and support them in their work.
• Offer further training to meet Volunteer Support Workers and families needs.
• Match volunteers to the families.
• Run a number of support groups.
• Organise special events such as summer play sessions and trips, Christmas parties and craft sessions.
• Support other agencies
• Acquire essential funding.
• Operate a Home Loan Scheme of equipment relating to the safety of young children.
• Operate a Loan of a Baby Starter Pack for young parents.
• Attend conferences to gain information and to promote PATCH.
• Have links with training agencies.