Cutbacks force charity to make ‘tough decisions’

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham until the dissolution of Parliament on Monday, visited Home-Start Worthing and Adur to meet the team.

He was shown the offices, in Thorn Road, Worthing, and told about the difficulties facing the charity in a time of cutbacks.

Carole Claridge, recently appointed chairman of the trustees, and scheme manager Hilda Sherwood told Mr Loughton the board had had to make tough decisions about their services, but that the high quality of support offered by the volunteers would continue for families in need.

There is currently a Think Family keyworker service, funded by West Sussex County Council, and a School Readiness Project, funded by BBC Children in Need.

News is awaited from grant-making trusts on funding for the home-visiting core work.

Mr Loughton said: “Home-Start does a tremendous work with families and is held in high regard among professionals.”

Each year, Home-Start supports around 150 families with 375 children, in areas of isolation, housing, mental health, behaviour management and parenting skills.

The charity is looking for more volunteers for the new preparation course to start in May. They are also recruiting new trustees in the areas of HR and IT. Visit www.wahomestart.org.uk for more information, or contact administrator Lisa Green on 01903 236916.