Home Start volunteers awarded for their dedication (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Home Start volunteers awarded for their dedication

8:51am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

THE dedication of volunteers, who have provided great service for a charity which supports families in Basingstoke, was recognised at a special event.

Home Start North West Hampshire held a celebratory party for 15 long-serving volunteers who have given their spare time to the charity for the past five to eight years.

Based in Cliddesden Road, Home Start is part of the national charity which offers support, friendship, a listening ear and practical help to families with children.

All volunteers have parenting experience and offer one to two hours of their time a week to families, or run support groups.

Philippa King, from Home Start North West Hampshire, said of the volunteers: “We feel very fortunate that they have chosen to support us for that length of time, especially when we know that the average length of time that people tend to volunteer for an organisation is about three years.

“Volunteers are a vital part of the scheme as they deliver service to local families in need.

“Volunteers reported that they felt they gained as much through this experience as the parents they work with.”

The Basingstoke charity, which costs £90,000-a-year to run, has about 45 volunteers. They help various people in Basingstoke, including mothers suffering from post-natal depression or young, single mums in need of extra help.

The charity also runs support groups, including a multiple birth group for mothers who have given birth to twins, triplets or quads.

The long-serving volunteers were presented with gifts and certificates for their commitment to the charity at the awards evening.

For more information about volunteering with Home Start, contact Vicky Rice on 01256 812333 or email .