Staffordshire Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley showed her support for Local Charities Day on 15th December by visiting Home-Start – a fantastic local charity in Staffordshire Moorlands. It was especially fitting to visit with Cllr Sybil Ralphs who received her MBE for her outstanding work with this charity.
Small, local charities make a massive difference to communities across the UK and Local Charities Day is an annual celebration of these organisations, shining a light on their incredible work.
Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands was established in June 1998 and supports families from all walks of life living in the Staffordshire Moorlands district, with at least one child under the age of 5, who are experiencing stress. The charity recruits and trains volunteers who visit families at home supporting parents and helping to give children the best possible start in life. In addition, the organisation provides “BookStart Corner” and “Proactive” signposting visits. The Book Start had 60 visits this year and is extremely popular, encouraging parents to read, interact and develop literacy and numeracy skills with their children.
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many people and especially those with young children. Home-Start, working together with the local Foodbank and the Salvation Army is also supporting many local families, helping out with Christmas hampers and presents for the children.
Karen said,
“I was delighted to be given a tour of the charity and see the excellent facilities that they have. It was great to hear how Home-Start works and learn about the inspirational local volunteers, so actively involved in the community and whose work is having such a positive impact for people throughout Staffordshire Moorlands.”
In 2016-2017 the scheme supported 66 families with 35 volunteers involved in the project. The charity is always looking for new volunteers – anyone who is interested should call 01538 387231.
The photo shows from left Karen, senior Home-Start organiser Louise Walker and Cllr Sybil Ralphs MBE