Charity highlights support for local families

A local charity supporting families with young children through difficult times held a coffee morning in Melksham to highlight the support it provides.

Home-Start North Wiltshire supports families with children under five who may be facing challenges including poor mental or physical health, isolation, financial difficulties, family breakdown, bereavement or caring for a child with additional needs.

The charity’s trained volunteers visit families in their own homes each week, providing two to three hours of emotional and practical support.

Support is free and tailored to each family’s needs, with volunteers offering confidential, non-judgemental support to help parents build confidence, resilience and wellbeing.

Last year, Home-Start North Wiltshire supported 185 families and 322 children across Wiltshire.

The charity held its Friends of Home-Start Coffee Morning at The Kings Arms Hotel in Melksham on 8th September, bringing together volunteers, supporters and people interested in finding out more about its work.

Melksham Mayor Saffi Rabey attended the event, while Sam Gooderson from Project Linus Quilts UK (Wiltshire) brought hand-crafted children’s quilts to donate to families supported by the charity.

Fundraiser Joanne Kent said, “It was wonderful to see so many volunteers and friends attend – there was a buzz of conversation! We were particularly delighted to welcome Melksham Mayor, Saffi Rabey, and Sam Gooderson from Project Linus Quilts UK (Wiltshire) who brought some beautiful, hand-crafted children’s quilts to donate to families. The event was a real success. Thank you to The Kings Arms for being super hosts.”

Home-Start holds regular coffee mornings across its Wiltshire service area for volunteers, supporters and anyone interested in finding out more about the charity.

For more information about getting support or volunteering, contact Dawn on 01672 569457 or email hello@homestartnorthwiltshire.org.uk