…because when I became a Mum –
-I had a hugely supportive husband (who gave up his big job in an even bigger swanky London ad agency and became a full-time parent and house husband), family close by and a network of friends at a similar family-life stage to share the highs and lows and laughs. We were so lucky. But it was still tough.
In late 2024 I became a Trustee of Home- Start Winchester and Districts. (HSW).
Here’s why…
It’s true – raising children can be overwhelming at times. They don’t come with a manual, and the fear of making mistakes can be frightening—especially after weeks of little to no sleep, hormonal chaos, emotional upheaval, and the daunting reality of navigating a whole new world.
Now imagine how it feels for parents without nearby family or a strong support network of friends. If a parent is single, or young, on a low income, in an abusive situation, or caring for a child with complex needs and has no one to turn to, the struggle becomes even greater. It’s easy to see how feeling unable to cope can affect not only the parent but also the child’s development, siblings, and the wider family.
Loneliness can be heart-breaking, overwhelming, and frustrating. And life-changing events can happen to anyone, at any time.
So I became a Trustee. Home Start occupies a unique position between social/care services and families who struggle, providing help which can make the difference between families staying together or – not.
Trained volunteers offer friendship, practical and emotional support for a variety of challenges parents face including things like:
- Post natal depression or bereavement
- Isolation or domestic abuse
- Poor mental or physical health
- Financial worries
- Multiple births or children with special needs
So – with the endorsement of my co-founder and director Tim Miller, we committed our studio services, my experience and our time. My focus is on raising the profile of this incredible local charity (which operates independently under the umbrella of National Charity Home-Start UK and is totally self-funding). Creating fundraising event marketing, helping to garner sponsorship from local business and donations from individuals. And we are aways on the look out for new volunteers.
There is much to do, particularly this year – the 20th anniversary of Home -Start Winchester’s foundation.
When I get asked about Home-Start I get passionate. Not so much about what we do (which is incredible) but the frustration of why anyone wouldn’t want to support us.
“After years of austerity and under-investment in communities, too many families, parents and children are struggling to cope. Home-Start Winchester and Districts is particularly challenged with the perception that because we live in an affluent region we are all rich and don’t have families in need. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have families in two areas considered as the most deprived in the UK. That stark contrast in demographic also carries its own challenges for struggling families who feel even more isolated and overlooked. Too often because of our location, we can be side lined for funding and grants. Yet since the closure of government schemes like Sure Start we are now virtually the only organisation working locally to help keep young families together and children out of the care system. We provide a vital lifeline for parents when it matters most”.
Home-Start Winchester and Districts is a self-funded charity, operating under the Home-Start UK movement and adhering to strict Quality Assurance and safeguarding standards. Take a look at the website or follow on Social Media @Home-Start Winchester
Support is offered free of charge, we rely entirely on donations, fundraising and grants and I’m not ashamed to ask:
