Why Not Make A Difference With Home-Start?

26th October 2010

Home-Start Caithness, part of the UK's largest family support charity, is gearing up to take part in the country's single biggest day of volunteering on Saturday 30th October. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) 'Make a Difference Day' is held every year to promote volunteering within the local community and this year, is focusing on the family.

"When we heard that this year's 'Make a Difference Day' was all about the family, it was an opportunity that we couldn't miss!" says Naomi Watson, Senior Coordinator at Home-Start. "Volunteers are the lifeblood of Home-Start - without them we wouldn't be able to do the work we do. Home-Start volunteers in Caithness provide support to over 40 families every year. It is all about parents supporting parents - people who know what it is like coming alongside other parents to offer friendship and support."

Karen started volunteering with Home-Start Caithness 6 months ago. "The best thing about it, is realising how a little of my spare time has made such a positive difference to families in the area. I feel so privileged to support families and to be welcomed into their homes and entrusted with so much. The support all volunteers get from the scheme staff is really good, so we never feel overwhelmed. I couldn't recommend it enough!"

To celebrate volunteering and to show potential volunteers the difference they can make, Home-Start Caithness is opening its doors to the public for an open day with a difference. "We want to show people that volunteering is rewarding and fun and as we work with children, what better way to do it than through messy play!" laughs local councillor and Chair of Home-Start Caithness, Bill Fernie. "We will have staff and volunteers on hand to chat about the work that Home-Start does and everyone will have the opportunity to relive their childhood, by making play-dough, using arts and crafts and even having your face painted!"

The event is taking place on Saturday 30th October from 11:00 to 13:00 and will be held at the Community Education Office, Ackergill Street, Wick, KW1 4DT. All are welcome.

About HomeStart
Home-Start - Across the UK more than 15,000 Home-Start volunteers visit families at home each week, supporting parents in situations as diverse as isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability or who are just finding parenting a struggle. They provide non-judgemental practical and emotional support and help build the family's confidence and ability to cope. Home-Start runs more services and has more volunteers supporting more families than any other family support charity in the UK. www.home-start.org.uk

About CSV
CSV Make a Difference Day takes place on Saturday 30 October 2010 and activities take part a week either side. Nearly three quarters of a million people have taken part since the launch of CSV Make a Difference Day in 1996, and thousands more are expected to give time rather than money to improve their local community this year. The campaign is organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers).
CSV creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. www.csv.org.uk/difference