A local tea company has announced a partnership with a charity which will see it receive funding.

Dorset Tea announced its ‘communi-tea’ partnership with Home-Start Wessex, donating £5,000 to the charity.

The donation will back the volunteer programme, as well as reaching families in need across the region with one-on-one support.

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to disadvantaged and vulnerable young children and their families. Many of the families the charity helps are often going through a time of crises due to issues relating to mental health, postnatal depression, disabilities, as well as domestic abuse, bereavement, low income or inadequate housing, and need support for a period of six months.

It costs around £900 on average to help one family for a period of six months, therefore this funding is set to benefit five local families.

The donation comes after Home-Start West Dorset closed, and Home-Start Wessex step in to extend its reach to cover communities in Dorset including Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex, said: “We are so proud to be working in partnership with Dorset Tea, especially following our expansion into West Dorset. Our joint aims are about bringing communities and people together, and the support through Dorset Tea and the Harris Freeman Foundation means we can do just that. Over the next 12 months we aim to recruit and train more volunteers across Dorset, who in turn will be able to provide more of the vital support that is needed for local families.”

Lauren Forecast from Ferndown-based Dorset Tea said: "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Home-Start Wessex and support a local charity that has a positive impact on the community. Their tireless efforts to support parents and children are essential, and we are honoured to contribute to their important work – with both funding and, of course, tea."

The charity’s mission is to give children the best possible start in life by supporting parents, so they grow in confidence, strengthen and enjoy their relationships with their children, and widen their connection with the local community. They provide early intervention to help families tackle their problems; preventing their situation from deteriorating, strengthening family relationships, and reducing the need to bring in statutory help. 

For further information on the volunteer training, email office@homestartwessex.org.uk.

Dorset Tea is encouraging charities and local causes to get in touch as part of its ongoing ‘Communi-Tea’ initiative. Email chat@dorsettea.co.uk to find out more.