Home-Start a charity based in Sutton, committed to promoting welfare for families with young children, recently celebrated their 35th anniversary at the Grange Restaurant in Wallington.

The evening was organised to raise vital funds to support the hundreds of parents and children who they help every year.

With a current team of staff who collectively notch up eighty-nine years experience, the evening was organised by the Trustee Board and attended by Home-Start volunteers, together with a host of local friends and supporters.

The entertainment was provided by Neil Mack, a versatile performer who can turn his musical prowess into songs from all eras, thereby appealing to the different generations.

Judith Armstrong, Manager said: “Sharing the evening with volunteers, past board members, colleagues in Sutton and new friends and supporters, made it very special.

“I am personally very proud of the commitment of the volunteers and staff, the quality of support we offer and difference we make to lives and life chances of children in Sutton.

“We very much hope we will be able to continue, but with ever increasing pressures on funding we may be facing some very difficult decisions in the coming months, which is why events like this are so important.”

Home Start’s aim is to give children the best possible start in life and help families to build strong bonds.

With a team of 60 local volunteers, they offer practical support for families with young children, some of whom are dealing with chronic long-term illness, mental ill health or domestic abuse.

Janet Mountford, the Chairperson for the charity, said: I am proud to work with an organisation that promotes a safe and healthy start to families and children.

“As a parent and grandparent myself, I know that the early years are precious and short and all children deserve to have the best possible start. We’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.”

With over 200 independent Home-Starts covering 71% of local authority areas across the UK, their aim is to grow a modern and effective network, helping more families to create a better future for their children.