Home-Start Guildford was awarded a grant by Guildford Philanthropy in late 2024. Here’s what they had to say about the impact this funding has had on families in Guildford:
“Thanks to the £9,900 received from Guildford Philanthropy we have been able to support 10 Guildford families facing difficult times for the next 12 months.
“Home-Start Guildford offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children. Focusing on early years intervention, it supports families with children from newborn to 5 years old; families who are facing complex challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation and financial hardship.
“Thanks to your grant, we’ve been able to train and match a new volunteer with a local family in need. After completing a six-session training programme, the volunteer is now supporting the parents of a four-year-old and a newborn who were struggling with declining mental health and feelings of isolation, made harder by not having extended family nearby. Our volunteer has stepped in to provide both emotional encouragement and practical help, bringing much-needed relief and making everyday family life a little easier.
“By introducing the family to local activities, even attending alongside them, the volunteer has helped them connect with other young families. As a result, the mother’s mental health is improving, and the whole family feels more confident about exploring what Guildford has to offer families with young children.
“The money awarded is allowing local families, like this one, to have hope for the future.”
