Home Start Wokingham - A small charity a day in May - Day Three.

Welcome to day three of Week One - Close to Home where I highlight those small charities that are closest to me geographically and personally. For an introduction to this series please visit http://llmcalling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/small-charity-day-in-may.html



Today I'm highlighting Home Start Wokingham. I was a volunteer for them for several years before following my calling into ministry. My time supporting families was hugely rewarding and taught me as much about parenting as anything I gave the families I grew so close to. I often look at my diary wishing I could find time to volunteer again, but for now it's not possible. It is so wonderful to be able to write this post and do a little something for this small charity.

Home-Start Wokingham District helps families with at least one child aged under five to cope with life’s challenges. The charity has been described as 'ARMBANDS IN DEEP WATER' because they offer a lifeline to parents who feel overwhelmed and in desperate need of support, reassurance and friendship.

The charity is based on the knowledge that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play a key role in giving their children the best start in life, with support to achieve their full potential.

Home-Start volunteers visit families to give emotional and practical support to help them to move towards a more confident and positive future.

The charity has faced an uncertain future in recent years after losing a large sum of funding from Wokingham Borough Council. However it received a welcome Christmas present in December when the Big Lottery Fund gave it £300,000. The money will be used to transform the charity’s service, providing more events and initiatives to build on existing work. However, Home-Start is not stopping there. It hopes to secure more sustainable funding so it can establish new services and group events.

The charity is appealing for a corporate sponsor to form a charitable partnership, offering a company the chance to get involved in the local community and support Home-Start Wokingham District with funding.

For information about Home Start, either as a parent who would appreciate some extra support or as a possible volunteer call Angie Mycock, one of our community's unsung heroes, on 0118 988 8025 or email angie@home-startd.org.uk. Or visit their website at http://www.home-startwd.org.uk/