Families charity Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have been awarded a Team of the Year certificate at the Volunteer Centre Dorset Celebration Evening 2026.
Home-Start Wessex offers friendship, practical support and emotional advice to parents in Dorset with at least one child under 5 when they are in crisis, providing specialist groups and one-to-one home visits. Their team of Family Support Volunteers are a lifeline for many vulnerable families across Dorset.
More than 170 volunteers, community groups, charities and supporters gathered at the Volunteer Centre Celebration Evening to recognise the outstanding dedication of volunteers who support people, places and communities across Dorset. The event celebrated volunteers across six categories, and every nominee received a certificate recognising the difference they make and the positive impact their volunteering has on others.
Belinda Hewett, Head of Operations at Home-Start Wessex, who attended the evening, said, “It was wonderful to see so many volunteers recognised for the time, compassion and dedication they give to others. We were especially proud to see our own Home-Start Wessex volunteers celebrated for their selfless work supporting local families. Their commitment, kindness and willingness to give their time make a real difference every day. To top off a memorable evening, we were absolutely delighted to receive a Team of the Year certificate. A huge thank you to all our volunteers. This award belongs to every one of them and recognises the difference they make to families across Dorset and the surrounding communities.”
Caroline Pope, Corporate Partnerships & Marketing Manager at Home-Start Wessex, added, “I have worked with Home-Start Wessex for over eight years, and I am constantly amazed by the kindness and commitment of our Volunteer Team. Behind every heart-aching situation, there is a compassionate volunteer ready to be there, wanting nothing in return. Some of our volunteers have been helping local families for over ten years and have made an incredible contribution, helping families through whatever challenges they are facing.”
Over the last year, Home-Start Wessex has transformed 1,955 lives, helping a record 547 families. Their reach covers the whole of the South of Dorset, including a large part of the Dorset Council area covering the Purbecks, Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis and the whole of the BCP Council area, including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, going as far north as Cranborne and Alderholt and as far east as Highcliffe, a huge area with a population of over 650,000, including many pockets of high-level deprivation.
Since Home-Start Wessex was founded in 1995, the charity has now supported 6,000 local families and 14,680 children thanks to over 1,000 volunteers.
The charity is actively recruiting kind, compassionate volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to parents with young children across Dorset. If you could spare a few hours a week to help local families through challenging times and make a difference in your community, please contact [email protected]. No experience is needed – just a big heart and a listening ear, as full training and ongoing support are provided.
