Group aims to help families

By BARBARA WARD

A series of tea parties organised this week by Newark Home-Start has so far raised £300 for the charity.

The final tea party was held at Newark Royal Air Forces Association Club on Wednesday after Home-Start’s annual meeting.

Home-Start helps young families through difficulties such as ill health, relationship problems and loneliness. Its team of volunteers visit and support families in their own homes.

The organisation also runs family groups for parents and toddlers and arranges outings and events.

Home-Start’s retiring chairman Sheila Butler said that although major funding was precarious, many people supported the charity in a small way. She thanked all those who had helped and asked for more fundraising ideas.

In her annual report, Home-Start’s senior organiser, Elaine Rossall, said that although the charity did not know how it would be funded in 2007/8, she was not worried.

“I’m ever optimistic because I know this service works and we can easily prove it by the outcomes for children and their parents.
“This is a charity at the heart of the community. Funding streams come and go, but we are still here.”

The Mayor of Newark, Mrs Marika Tribe, presented first-aid certificates to some of the volunteers, and the chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Mr Ivor Walker, thanked all those involved. He promised he would mention the charity whenever he could to groups with finance available.

Home-Start’s patron, the Rector of Newark, the Rev Vivian Enever, read Philip Larkin’s poem This Be The Verse, with its bleak view of family life.

He said although he didn’t agree with Larkin’s description neither did he agree with idealised views of families that say they never argue.

He said he was happy to be associated with the charity. Its members were effective in their job of helping young families.
l More volunteers are being sought by Home-Start.

A preparation course is being held from October 4. Volunteers can be of all ages and from all walks of life. The only requirement is that they have experience of bringing up children and can spare two hours a week.

For details contact the Home-Start offices at 30 Barnbygate, Newark, on 01636 705011.

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