Big Lottery award for Home-Start North Wiltshire

One of this area’s very important family charities, Home-Start North Wiltshire (HS), is celebrating after being awarded £337,500 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. Home-Start helps families with children under five who are experiencing difficult times by providing weekly support and this award comes at a time when their services are at greatest need.

Volunteers visit families to give emotional and practical support to help build family confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. By helping build stronger families, Home-Start aims to help give children the best start in life.

The three-year funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will significantly help Home-Start sustain and develop its service to local families. Last year, the charity supported one hundred and seven families across Devizes, Calne, Chippenham, Marlborough, Pewsey, and Tidworth and have recently increased their service area to Melksham and parts of Swindon.

Juliet Williams, Head of Regional Funding for the South West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to the hard work of Home-Start’s volunteers and the money raised by National Lottery players, Home-Start North Wiltshire will make a huge impact on young children’s development in the coming years. Their vital emotional and practical support is a great example of our ambition to help young people thrive and live healthier lives.”

Joanne Kent, HS Fundraiser, said, “Parenting is hard at the best of times but when faced with challenges like isolation or poor mental /physical health or the unexpected happens like bereavement, job loss, or multiple birth, it can be overwhelming. This funding will help us continue to give compassionate, non-judgemental support to parents when they need it most. We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and would like to thank them and the players of the National Lottery. “

Home-Start is recruiting for home-visiting, community and group volunteers. To find out more or if you need support, call: Dawn on 01672 569457 or visit www.homestartnorthwiltshire.org.uk for more information.