This weekend I visited Homestart Wolves. HomeStart
The service has helped families with problems arising at times of crisis and bereavement, as well as with issues including mental health problems, disabilities, budgeting and day-to-day running of the household.
They have recruited and trained over 143 volunteers of which 96% have gone into further education, training or employment.
Incredibly, they have supported over 337 families including 754 children.
We met with some of the families which they have helped over the years with one family telling us that they were having a ‘breakdown’ before the support they received from HomeStart.
Sadly, HomeStart Wolverhampton has been forced to prepare for closure after struggling to secure up to £60,000 of funding.
A five-year cash pot from the National Lottery ran out in April, with the team operating on ‘reserves’ for the past three months.
But volunteers and staff have been unable to secure any further funding, with closing now their only option.
It is still a time to rejoice and celebrate the fantastic achievements over the last 15 years.