We were delighted to celebrate our 21st birthday with a wonderful summer gathering at Pinglestone Barn, generously hosted by our Patrons, Lady Alison Wakeham and Sally Stewart.
More than 80 friends, supporters, sponsors, trustees, volunteers and members of staff joined us in Lord and Lady Wakeham’s beautiful 15th-century barn near Alresford. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate everything our Home-Start community has achieved together – and to thank the many people who have supported local families over the past 21 years.
We were also delighted to welcome Winchester MP Danny Chambers, the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Jamie Scott, and former Mayor Councillor Sudhakar Achwal.
Lady Wakeham said:
“It was a very happy occasion and a wonderful opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Home-Start for the last 21 years. It was good to see so many of our longstanding friends, and it was our pleasure to invite them so that we could say our heartfelt thanks for all they have done to support our charity.”
The Mayor of Winchester also spoke warmly about Home-Start’s work, providing friendship and practical and emotional support to families across Winchester and the surrounding districts.
For 21 years, we have been working alongside parents as they face challenges including poor mental health, domestic abuse, loneliness, disability and the demands of caring for twins or multiple children. Our trained volunteers and staff help families build confidence, strengthen relationships and create more stable foundations for their children.
Our work is made possible through grants, donations, fundraising and the generosity of our local community. We are enormously grateful to everyone who has played a part in our story so far – and we look forward to continuing to support local families for many years to come.
