Gareth praises Home Start and its volunteers

Gareth Johnson MP attends Home-Start AGM

On Friday 23^rd September, Gareth Johnson MP attended the AGM of family support charity Home-Start North West Kent, meeting some of the families who benefit from their service, which involves trained volunteer parents home visiting weekly.

Terri Cox, mother of 21 month Ciaran, a little boy with Downs Syndrome and his baby sister Rebecca (see photo on gallery page), spoke very poignantly of how she managed after being given the news that Ciaran had Downs Syndrome - and then how Home Start’s volunteer Rose had been an invaluable help.

Gareth heard how Rose, who also had an 8-year-old daughter with Downs, has been a great support to Terri and her family.

Gareth said: “It is the volunteers in our society, like Rose, who help others to cope through difficult times –and, with the excellent training courses and support provided by Home Start, offer an invaluable service to some of our most vulnerable local families.”

Home-Start commences its next training programme for new volunteers on Tuesday 4^th October.  Anyonewith parenting experience who might be interested in joining them can contact Debbie on 01322 225 100– email [email protected] or visit www.home-start.org.uk

Picture: From left to right Terri with Rebecca, Debbie with Ciaran, Deputy Mayor and Home-Start Trustee Cllr Ann Allen, Gareth Johnson and Rose