Home-Start celebrates the work of volunteers

More than 60 people – including over 20 young children – attended the session, which is held every week and is designed to equip families with better social skills.

The sessions are funded by the Sarah Groves Foundation.

Home-Start manager Emma Cusack said that the charity welcomed different types of volunteers, including those who visited families at home to provide practical and emotional support, and those who gave up their time at the group sessions.

‘We currently have 13 volunteers, but I would love to recruit at least 10 more.’

She said there would be an opportunity for new volunteers to be recruited in at an induction in February next year.

‘In 2024 I am hoping to do a big push in the community so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

‘We want to recruit more supporters and volunteers so that we can reach significantly more families.’

One of the charity’s volunteers, Helen Foote, has been involved with the charity for the past year.

She said she found out about it after reading an article in the Guernsey Press.

‘It’s been brilliant meeting new people, I come here every Thursday morning to pour coffees and talk to families.

‘I sometimes talk to my family and friends about the benefits of it, it’s very rewarding.’

Wendy Wickens had come along to the event with her three-year old granddaughter Phoebe.

She said that she had heard about it via word of mouth a few years ago.

‘We used to bring Phoebe’s older brother Johnny. It’s changed a bit over time but it’s still a good chance for the children to play with trains, dollies and pushchairs, while the volunteers come up with something creative for them to make.’

She added that the sessions were as beneficial to the attending adults as they were to the children.

‘Both Phoebe and I have made new friends, there is a great cross-section of people who come.’