A charity which provides 1:1 help for vulnerable families is marking its 25th anniversary by appealing for 25 businesses to pledge their support.

The first to sign up for Home-Start South East Dorset’s ’25for25′ campaign was Poole-based Amirez Developments.

To date, others pledging to raise, and donate, £800 by June 1 next year include:

• 3 Gen Construction
• b4b marketing
• Extreme Exhibitions
• Interface NRM
• Jade-Aden
• Town & Country Communications
• Wyatt Homes

Caroline Pope, Community & Corporate Engagement Manager, said Home-Start had helped more than 10,000 children over the last quarter of a century.

It wanted to ensure it was there for generations to come.

She said: “It’s been a tough time for everyone but some of the family stories we deal with would break your heart.

“However, when the business community gets behind a charity, amazing things can happen and quite literally change lives.

“In these uncertain times partnerships are the way forward.

“I’m so grateful and proud that our business community has really embraced this campaign.”

Shan Seewooruthun, Director of Amirez Developments, said : “Having seen the great work that all the team undertake, we were more than happy to both contribute to and promote this exciting project.

“Directly supporting local families is often very difficult but to know that there is a great team there working so hard to help and change people’s lives is great.

“We look forward to continuing our support throughout the year and hearing about the people that have been helped.”

Still supporting around 100 vulnerable families within Dorset at any one time, Home-Start managed to continue through the coronavirus pandemic by adapting quickly.

Kerry Rosam, Family Support Group Lead, said: “I have had suicidal admissions and language from some parents, also self-harm disclosures, with more referrals and concerns than ever before.

“The child knows when things are wrong even if they don’t understand.”

Home-Start offers 1:1 support to families when no-one else can.

It deals with issues including disability, bereavement, domestic abuse, illness, isolation and mental health.

The charity is expecting to receive many more referrals in the run-up to Christmas and beyond as job losses take their toll on society.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, Director, said: “Our contribution to the community has often been unrecognised, yet over the last 25 years we have supported over 10,000 children with their families through a difficult period in their lives.

“We now have a fantastic team to take the charity forward and secure our future so we can continue our vital service.

“With local support I know we’ll be here for many years to come.”

Businesses wishing to get involved are asked to contact Caroline at caroline@homestartsoutheastdorset.org.uk

• homestartsoutheastdorset.org.uk