This week we were honored to be invited to the Dorset offices of Home Start Wessex to meet the team. As part of our Communi-Tea initiative (our commitment to help local Dorset charities) we are supporting them with a donation and of course tea!
Home-Start Wessex will use the money to fund its latest volunteer programme, which runs from October 2nd to November 13th, as well as its Telephone Befriender course, which began in May of this year.
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation offering support, friendship, and practical help to disadvantaged and vulnerable young children and their families. Families who are going through a time of crisis due to issues such as poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation, low income, or inadequate housing/homelessness are supported for a period of at least six months.
Caroline Pope, the Corporate Engagement Manager for Home-Start Wessex “We are delighted to be working with Dorset Tea and tremendously grateful for their support towards our volunteer programme. As our CEO, Peter Griggs recently highlighted, tea is a massive part of the Home-Start model. As an organisation it’s important that they are able to spend time talking and listening to people, often over a cup of tea".
Kathy Fryatt-Banks CEO of Home-Start Wessex adds: “One of the most important roles of family support volunteers is spending time talking and listening to people, often over a cup of tea. Knowing how someone likes their tea is about understanding and trust, and this funding will go towards training volunteers to build those relationships and earn their trust.”
The charity’s mission is to give children the best possible start in life by supporting parents so they grow in confidence, strengthen and enjoy their relationships with their children, and widen their connection with the local community. They provide early intervention to help families tackle their problems; preventing their situation from deteriorating, strengthening family relationships, and reducing the need to bring in statutory help.
We are thrilled to partner with Home-Start Wessex as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local charities that have a positive impact in our community. Their tireless efforts to support parents and children is essential, and we are honoured to contribute to their important work.
If you would like to find out more about the volunteer training, please email office@homestartwessex.org.uk.