Sam Cam honours Home-Start
A charity that supports parents with young children has been honoured at a reception in Downing St.
Home-Start, which is 40 years old this year, supports parents “as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children”.
Samantha Cameron welcomed Home-Start staff and celebrity supporters Kirstie Allsopp and Alastair Stewart to No. 10 this week to celebrate its work – the charity has helped more than a million children in the past four decades.
Other guests invited to Downing St included City of London firms, supportive companies, trust funders, the army and the media, as well as MPs and other supporters.
Home-Startvolunteers visit the family’s home for a couple of hours every week and tailor their support to the needs of the parents and children.
Volunteers keep visiting until the youngest child turns five or starts school, or until the parents feel they can stand on their own two feet.
“Children who are raised in a stable, loving, family environment are more likely to have a positive and healthy future,” a Home-Start spokesman said.
“But being a parent isn’t easy and sometimes life can get in the way. Circumstances throw you off course and everything else can take a back seat. A young child caught up in this can miss out on the love, routine and stimulation that are so vital for their future.
“Home-Start works because our volunteers are parents. They understand how hard it can be.
“They work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, time and strength they need to nurture their children.”
