Funding boost for family charity

The funding means that Home-Start Rossendale, Burnley and Hyndburn can continue its Needs First programme, a three-year project which will enable 300 families with young children to improve their mental health, reduce isolation and increase their engagement in their children’s learning and development.

Working in partnership with Home-Start Pendle and Ribble Valley, Home-Start RBH will change its criteria so families with at least one child age 13 or under can access its services. Parents will be supported to better engage with their children’s education and attainment.

Mary Buchanan, chairman of Home-Start RBH, said: “There is so much research proving the long-term benefits of supporting children in the early years to get the best possible start in life.

"We are delighted that the Big Lottery has agreed to support our work so that we can extend our services. The Plus project will make our services available to larger number of families, and Needs First funding will allow us develop group working and will offer families more choice of how they access our services.”

With the help of volunteers, the charity provides a lifeline to parents with multiple and complex needs across Rossendale, Burnley and Hyndburn.

Scheme manager Emma Heinicke said: “As an organisation entirely reliant upon charitable donations, securing this funding means we can continue to support vulnerable children right from the start. Our trained volunteers offer invaluable support to families across Rossendale, Burnley and Hyndburn that other services are unable to provide."

In addition to the Big Lottery funding Home-Start RBH was awarded 96% in its recent Quality Assurance inspection.

If you would like to donate or volunteer visit the website www.homestartrbh.co.uk or call 01706 214621.