A Dorset charity has raised more than £10,000 to continue its work supporting young homeless families, after successfully meeting its target in the Big Give Challenge.
Home-Start Wessex, which provides practical and emotional support to parents in crisis, secured £10,295.18 during the UK’s largest match-funding campaign. The challenge doubles donations made within a set period, allowing contributions to have twice the impact.
Kathy Fryatt-Banks, Chief Executive of Home-Start Wessex, said the response to the campaign had exceeded expectations.
“This was the first year Home-Start Wessex had taken part in the Big Give, and we were blown away by the support we received. It was a huge ask to reach the £10,000 fundraising target when we know many families are struggling to support themselves, let alone other families.”
The money raised will help keep the charity’s weekly support group for homeless families running. Home-Start Wessex works with parents in Dorset who have at least one child under five and are facing crisis situations, offering one-to-one home support, school readiness workshops, and specialist groups.
Two of these support groups are held in temporary hostels, which mainly house single mothers aged 18-25 and their children. Many of these young women are dealing with complex challenges, including mental health difficulties, post-natal depression, domestic violence, and poverty.
Fryatt-Banks said the charity’s work was crucial in giving these families stability.
*”Every family at the shelter is struggling to cope with not having a stable home for their child. As well as being homeless, they are also managing complex issues such as mental health difficulties, post-natal depression, domestic violence, poverty and loneliness.
“Our staff help these vulnerable young women build the resilience they need to cope with their challenges, find joy again with their children through fun activities and access essentials like food, milk and nappies. They empower them to be the best parents they can be and give their children the best start in life.
“Thanks to everyone who pledged, we can continue to provide life-changing support for young parents like these and create joyful moments for those who need it most.”*
Over the past year, Home-Start Wessex has supported a record 501 families, helping to transform the lives of 1,682 people. The charity’s reach spans a large area, including the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and extends across parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire.
The success of the Big Give Challenge means the charity can continue its work in some of the most deprived areas in the region, offering vital support to parents and children in need.