What a wonderful way to finish our 15th Anniversary Year!

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 saw four trepid travellers venture forth from Merton to the scary world of the City having been especially invited to attend Home-Start’s  “VOLUNTEERS MATTER”  Living Room Event which took place in  London’s City Hall.  This event was being held to highlight the effectiveness of volunteers supporting families in crisis and was in the presence of HRH Princess Alexandra.

Home-Start Merton was represented by Amita (our chair) Barbara (our Scheme Manager) Maggie (long standing volunteer) and Chantal (ex family, ex volunteer, new member of staff!).

Maggie came to be invited as she had responded to a request from Home-Start National way back last August 08 asking for case studies to illustrate the work of Home-Start Volunteers.  Not only was she invited to this event, but previously her story
had appeared in the Top Santé magazine.

And what a start for Chantal.  Her story certainly attracted the media’s attention.  Her first involvement with Home-Start was when she was going through a difficult time after the birth of her daughter and heard about us through her Health Visitor.  Her volunteer provided invaluable support for a year after which time Chantal decided to give something back.  She became a volunteer herself and supported different families over a three year period.  Then the part-time Co-ordinator position arose, she applied, was successful and began work at the beginning of May!