The achievements of several volunteers were celebrated when staff, trustees and supporters came together for an awards event at Home-Start Wessex.

Guests included Peter Grigg, CEO of Home-Start UK, who presented the awards at a special afternoon tea.

The charity helps families with young children through their challenging times.

Since 1995, Home-Start Wessex has assisted more than 3,500 local families and supported over 10,000 children in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, the Isle of Purbeck, Blandford and Cranborne and into the Wiltshire and Hampshire borders.

Volunteers offer friendship, practical support and emotional advice to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Michelle Dixon was given a special award for 20+ years of service with Home-Start.

She joined the charity in 2001 as a Volunteer Playworker and went on to become a Preschool Team Leader and then a Coordinator in 2006.

Michelle Dixon receives her award from Kathy Fryatt-Banks, Chief Executive, Home-Start Wessex, and Peter Grigg.

Michelle was promoted to Senior Coordinator and Training Lead and played a key role during the pandemic, finding innovative ways to continue training volunteers.

She has personally coached over 500 volunteers enabling over 2,500 children to have a better start in life.

Nicki Gibbons and Michelle Dixon.

Sarah Gardiner was recognised for her ten years of service as a volunteer supporting families in the local area while Nicki Gibbons was given a two-year volunteering award.

Sarah, pictured with Peter Grigg, said: “I have enjoyed all of the families I have worked with and I have learnt such a lot.

“It’s not just us giving, it’s us learning too.”

Peter Grigg praised the work of Home-Start Wessex.

He said: “There are so many pressures that families face.

“What Home-Starts can do is give time.

“Precious time to spend with families who really need it.

“That’s what makes a difference.

“There is something really special and magic about Home-Start.

“You find really clear values around humility, humanity and humour.

Staff and volunteers with Peter Grigg.

“Families that we work with have so much going on in their lives that sometimes you just need to get on the floor, play with the kids and have a laugh.

“It’s in that moment you can make a real difference for families.”

Chris Thomas, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Home-Start Wessex, said: “It’s amazing what’s been achieved over the last year, especially in the shadow of the pandemic.

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing our staff and volunteers in action and you all have such compassion, professionalism and great commitment to what you do.

“It’s going to be challenging 12 months ahead, but I know we will be a leading light in family care and support in Wessex.”

Chris Thomas, Kathy Fryatt-Banks and Peter Grigg.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, Chief Executive, Home-Start Wessex, added, “The reason why we’ve come so far over the past few years is that every single person who works or volunteers for Home-Start is 100 per cent committed, dedicated and passionate about what we are doing.

“That is what makes a big difference to families.

“They know that we’re there for them, we’re non-judgemental, and all we want to do is help them bring up their child in the best way they can with the resources we’ve got.

“We know we will support over 300 families this year, the highest number we have ever supported.

“We support those families for six months to make sure they are on the right path.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported us and funded us, especially all those volunteers as they are the ones on the road, helping families, as we couldn’t do it without them.”

The event also celebrated the generous local businesses who came together to support the charity during its 25 for 25 campaign.

Caroline Pope, Community & Corporate Engagement Manager, Home-Start Wessex, said: “When we launched into our 25^th anniversary year, I came up with the idea of getting 25 businesses to all give us £800, so we could help 25 more families.

“Luckily, local businessmen Shan (Seewooruthun) and Steve (Wells) jumped straight on board and helped make it happen.”

Shan Seewooruthun, Amirez; Caroline Pope, Home-Start Wessex; Steve Wells, DWP Housing Partnership.

Receiving a gift of thanks for his contribution, Shan, of Amirez Developments, said: “For us, it was an honour to support the campaign.

“We would like to say ‘well done’ to all of you for putting your time and effort in, helping make local families’ lives easier.

“We know the money really does go to local children and is used in the best way.”

Caroline Pope and Kate Ware.

Caroline also thanked Kate Ware, from The Bath Works, who not only supported the 25 for 25 campaign but also went on to run a January sale, donating an additional £4,700 for the charity.

• The service offered by Home-Start Wessex is in more demand than ever. If you can commit to 2-3 hours each week to help transform the lives of young children and their parents, please contact michelle@homestartwessex.org.uk. No special qualifications are necessary and full training will be provided. Find out more at homestartwessex.org.uk.
• Pictures: Caroline Saunders, 4 C Marketing.