A Dorset charity is celebrating its volunteers a year after overcoming hardships.
Over the past year, Home-Start Wessex has transformed nearly 1,700 lives, helping a record number of 501 families.
Sadly, its sister organisation Home-Start West Dorset became a victim of the funding crisis in October 2023 and had to close its doors.
Home-Start Wessex is a charity offering friendship, practical support and advice to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.
CEO Kathy Fryatt-Banks said: “Since 2022, we have doubled the number of families we have supported to more than 500 families.
“Altogether, we have made a difference to 1,682 lives. We regularly receive letters and comments from families we have supported, who say that the support came at a time when they felt so vulnerable.”
One parent said: “I was so down when Home-Start came to me, and I am so happy now. I can’t express how grateful I am for the support I received and the time I was given. The staff and my volunteer were a godsend.”
John Stubbs, Chair of the Trustees, said, “It has been just over a year since Home Start West Dorset had to close its doors and Home-Start Wessex stepped into the vacuum that could so easily have been left behind. We did this as we do all things at Home-Start Wessex - not for the publicity or the glory but because it was the right thing to do. The right thing for vulnerable families across West Dorset and the children in those families, because childhood can’t wait.”
Staff, volunteers and supporters at the charity came together earlier this month to celebrate the amazing achievements of their volunteers.
Carol Miekle received a certificate in recognition of ten years of service as a Home-Start volunteer.
Claire Wagstaff was recognised for five years of service. Catherine Bond received a certificate for two years of volunteer service.
Several other volunteers were acknowledged for two, five and ten years of service for both Home-Start Wessex and Home-Start West Dorset.
Charity patron and local author Sarah Lean presented a special award for the long-time volunteer and charity trustee Rowena Wilkes.
Rowena, based in West Moors, received a certificate of achievement for ten years of service as a volunteer last year.
If you would like to volunteer, contact: heidi@homestartwessex.org.uk.
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