We, Home-Start CHAMS, are 25 years old!
Home-Start CHAMS is one of more than 180 Home-Starts across the UK which supports families. Our support area covers Crawley, Horsham and Mid-Sussex. Founded in 1998 we have supported thousands of local families when they’ve needed us the most.
On Friday 16th June we celebrated our birthday – we are so thankful to everyone that attended and contributed to make this event, along with the last 25 years, happen! We couldn’t do what we do without your ongoing support. To see all about the event and watch our post event video please click here
Alyson Smith, Business and Fundraising Manager, of Home-Start CHAMS said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 25 years of Home-Start CHAMS and are truly humbled by our volunteers selfless giving and their ability to change the lives of so many families.
Research shows parents still feel a huge stigma around asking for help, with nearly half of all UK parents admitting they always or often feel ashamed of asking for support, especially when there are mental health concerns.
Parenting is a tough enough job as it is, but with the added anxiety and stresses of Covid lockdowns, financial pressures, health-related concerns and for some, bereavements, it has been a really difficult couple of years for families”.
Quote from a volunteer “Working for Home-Start has been one of the most surprisingly rewarding experiences of my life. I volunteered in 2018, in complete trepidation. Having grown up in a family affected by domestic violence I believed that I was too damaged to be able to make a difference. Over the four weeks of training, I learnt such an immense amount about child development, learning to observe without judgement and how the small gift of time given to others can be life changing not only to the recipient but also to the giver”.
Quote from supported family “If it wasn’t for my volunteer I would be in a much darker place right now and probably not even be able to get out of the door. She was just so kind, she never judged me or spoke down to me – she helped me believe that I am a good Mum.”
Home-Start CHAMS stands alongside families to offer compassionate, non-judgemental support on a wide range of issues including postnatal depression, bereavement, coping with twins, loneliness, coping with a child or parent with disabilities and a range of support with finances.
To see our latest Youtube Video of the work we have bene doing over the years please click here