A Huddersfield-based charity that provides families with confidential support through a network of expert trained volunteers, has teamed up with local business Towngate PLC to provide crucial support to parents across Kirklees.

Home-Start Kirklees gives compassionate help to local families experiencing everyday life challenges such as financial worries, bereavement, low mood, isolation, domestic abuse or help with parenting.

In 2021, Home-Start Kirklees supported more than 200 families with children under five through the Covid-19 pandemic, and there has been a significant increase in demand for the number of families needing help.

The generous donation from Towngate PLC will provide the charity with essential funds at a time when they need to recruit more family support volunteers to meet the increasing need on services.

Richard Coteau, fundraising manager at Home-Start Kirklees, said: “We are so pleased to have the support of Towngate PLC, their generosity will make a real impact on local families when they need it the most.

“Being a parent is never easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heartbreaking and overwhelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone. That is why Home-Start Kirklees is ready to stand alongside families when they reach out by providing compassionate, non-judgmental, long term bespoke support.”

How you can volunteer with Home-Start Kirklees and help support families just when they need it most

Lucy Rotchell, personal assistant at Towngate PLC, said: “Supporting local charities is at the heart of our charitable giving committee at Towngate, so it is a pleasure to provide this donation to Home-Start Kirklees.

“Charities like Home-Start need continuous support to sustain the fantastic work they do but the effects of the pandemic, together with the run-up to Christmas, make this need even greater and so we are very happy to be able to lighten the load, even a little.”

Since 1999, Home-Start Kirklees has worked with some of the most vulnerable families across the district, providing personalised support to parents/carers with children aged 0-5 (including older siblings) who are struggling to cope with the challenges they face.

The charity has supported thousands of local families and more than 600 volunteers have been recruited and trained to provide support in their local community.