Annual Report
2018/2019
Home-Start
Spelthorne
The Essence of Home-Start
Since 1996 Home-Start Spelthorne has been supporting families to identify their
unique needs and assist them in developing the skills and confidence necessary to build
better lives for themselves and their children. Over the last 23 years Home-Start has
received nearly 2000 referrals from many different organisations and has supported
thousands of children living in the Borough of Spelthorne.
Home-Start Spelthorne is managed and funded locally. We are supported by the
national organisation, Home-Start UK, which offers advice, training, information and
guidance to the Home-Start network to ensure consistent and quality support for
parents and children.
Home-Start offers a unique service. We recruit and train volunteers who are usually
parents themselves to visit families at home who have at least one child under 5 and to
offer them informal, friendly and confidential support. We tailor our support to each
family and their specific needs, and we work with the whole family; providing a package
of support, comprised of emotional and practical support, activities with children and
help to access services.
To help give children the best possible start in life, Home-Start supports parents as
they grow in confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen
their links with the local community.
Home-Start Spelthorne is
• Community based and led by local need
• Based on a relationship of trust built between volunteer and family with evidence
showing both parties benefit
• Outcome-focused, with a focus on empowering families and volunteers
Our values
• We offer families choice
• We work in partnership – with each other, with families, and with other agencies
• We work in a spirit of openness, encouragement and enjoyment
• We are flexible and responsive to the needs of families
Our Management Committee
Home-Start Spelthorne is an independent charity with Trustees being responsible for
directing the management and administration of the charity. Trustees have a wide range of
roles but are primarily responsible for making the charity effective, providing overall direction
and maintaining sound management of funds.
Chairperson - Beth Scott
Vice Chairperson - Jenny Sice
Treasurer - Anne Damerell
Trustees - Carol Folly
Vivian Williams
Pat Dowthwaite
Sue Price
Kevin Bulfin
Jean Rogers
Christine Knight
Volunteer
Representatives - Wendy Webb
Isobel Parr
Family
Representative - Gemma Morgan
Surrey CC Social Care
Representative - Dawn Durban Team Manager
North East Child in Need Team
Our Staff
Amanda Salmon Tori Biutanaseva Hazel Want Nicky Webster Mandy Groves Family Support Family Support Administrator Family Support Strategic and Development
Manager Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Manager
Our Volunteers
Linda D Tracy Janet Di Geraldine Liz Hayley
Barbara O Wendy Denise Margaret Jackie Linda M
Christine F Lisa Sam Fiona Barbara G Eloho Sue F
Barbara G Alex Carmel Gillian Vilma Jayne Nikki
Isobel Di S Janet S Lin Lisa L Min Sam E
Trina Hilary Amanda Linda Kathy Anne Grace
Espe June Kimberly Joe Zaneta Susie Chris
Sue Julie Maggie Shannon Arthi
Total of 53 Home-visiting Volunteers
We wish to express our warmest thanks and appreciation for everything our volunteers
have done to support families in Spelthorne during this year.
Welcome and Goodbye
Welcome
Grace Espe June Kimberly Joe Zaneta Alex Min Sam E Trina
Vilma Denise Lisa B Barbara
Barbara G Jayne Lin Linda D
Susie Chris Sue Julie Jean Maggie Shannon
Arthi and Christine not in photo
Goodbye
and thank
you
Chairperson’s report
The scheme continues to hold to our core belief that we support families to give children the best
possible start in life.
‘when sorrows come, not single but in battalions’
Surrey County Council is still trying to work out how to fund Early Help needs. Home-Start Surrey is
working to solve this challenge as well as looking for new ways of funding the County Council’s short fall.
Home-Start UK has revamped its services and image which involves more work for our scheme. Despite
these uncertainties, thank goodness for our loyal friends and supporters, and those searching for new
means of financial donations. (Our Treasurer will give more details).
Thanks go to our stalwart trustees. Farewell to Joan Ponton who has been a most loyal supporter for 19
years. We wish her and Bob a restful retirement! Farewell to dear Carol Folly whose insightfulness has
been most refreshing and shrewd. We are delighted that Pat Dowthwaite is well on the road to recovery.
Welcome to Christine Knight who has ‘hit the deck running’ among other things, keeping an eye on new
ideas from HS-UK. Thanks to Viv Williams and her husband Gareth for all they have done with the
beautiful website and the maintenance of our IT equipment. I am particularly grateful to our Treasurer
Anne who understands all and is able to explain all. The staff, the trustees and our supporters continue
to ensure that the scheme holds fast to our core belief. Thank you.
Beth Scott
Family Support Manager’s report
What a Difference a Day Makes!
Every day in Home-Start Spelthorne, staff and volunteers are making a difference for the families we
support in the community. Hazel, our administrator may make a call to a family to arrange an appointment
for an initial visit, offering reassurance that we can help, thus giving them hope. Nicky, our Family
Support Co-ordinator might visit a family for an initial assessment when time will be spent listening to
the parent(s) sharing their concerns. Nicky will advise the family on how Home-Start can help and may
also signpost to other organisations. This visit alone can help the parent(s) and child(ren) to feel valued
and supported. Tori, our Family Support Co-ordinator may be meeting with a volunteer for supervision.
During this meeting, the volunteer will feedback on the progress the family are making and there will be
a discussion about how to meet any ongoing needs the family still has, as well as any additional training
needs of the volunteer. Tori will listen to the volunteer and offer advice, support and additional
information if required, thus motivating the volunteer and encouraging their development. In my role as
Family Support Manager, I might be attending a local networking meeting to give a presentation and
raise the profile of Home-Start, thus encouraging other organisations and local companies to make
referrals or help fundraise. On another day, Nicky, Tori and myself might all be introducing volunteers
to new families who are then relieved that they will be receiving regular support that is non-judgmental,
flexible and respectful.
On a daily basis, there will be some of our volunteers making their weekly visit to the family they support.
One volunteer might be supporting a mum with poor mental well-being and giving her the opportunity to
share her concerns so that she feels less anxious and isolated. This will then have a positive impact on
the children as mum is more relaxed and better equipped to cope as a parent. Another volunteer might
be accompanying dad and his child to a playgroup encouraging him to build relationships with other
parents and allowing his child to have social interaction.
In Home-Start every day counts and every day can really make a difference! I would like to personally
thank all our staff, trustees and volunteers for the difference they have already made and will continue
to, as families in Spelthorne receive our support.
Amanda Salmon
Treasurer’s report
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the unstinting efforts of fundraisers, we finished the
year 2018-19 with a surplus of £5,000, raising our reserves to almost £66,000, the highest
they have ever been. This will be a lifesaver in the storms ahead. We are in the process of
bidding for the next Surrey CC contract for Early Help services, which will probably be for
about £15,000 less than the current contract. So those reserves will be needed to carry us
through while our fundraising is geared up to an even higher level. The year 2019-20 has
started well: we are delighted that the BBC Children in Need grant has been extended for
another three years, and that the Community Foundation for Surrey have given us £5,000 from
their Borrows Charitable Trust Fund.
It is my pleasure as ever to record our thanks to our principal funders, Surrey County Council,
Spelthorne Borough Council, NW Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group and BBC Children in Need;
and to all the other people and organisations who have so generously supported us, including
Shepperton Parish Charity, councillors Islam, T. Evans, Mooney & Capes, Mencap, Sunbury
Neighbours, Tesco, the Co-op, the Entertainer, and the indefatigable Virginia Pale-Parsons who
continued her series of sponsored 10K runs. There are many others, and the full list is on the
inside back cover. We also receive gifts in kind, such as hampers and Easter eggs for the
families. Sunbury and Shepperton Rotary club again funded a party for children and families,
and they and Staines Rotary Club both allowed us slots in their Christmas collecting.
On behalf of all the Home-Start staff, trustees, volunteers and families I thank all these
donors, and our marvellous fundraising committee who organise such a variety of events, and
all those who have participated and given their time in many ways.
Salary costs rose in 2018-19 because of an increase in the national NJC pay scales, but other
costs have not changed significantly. Financial and other risks are reviewed regularly, and
procedures agreed to manage them. We have more than satisfied our reserves policy, which
states that at least six months costs will be held in reserves for unpredicted expenses or
opportunities, or in the worst case to fund closure. The charity has no debts secured by
charges on its assets, and has given no guarantees leading to potential liabilities.
Home-Start Spelthorne has an excellent team of dedicated staff and volunteers backed by a
strong management committee. My thanks go to all of them and to our helpful auditor David
Thomas.
Anne Damerell
Accounts
Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2019
CiN Unrestricted Total 17-18
Receipts
SCC and CCG 40,500 40,500 39,700
Spelthorne BC 15,400 15,400 15,000
Children in Need 15,790 15,790 15,320
Comic Relief 5,000
SBC councillors 685 685 7,185
SCC councillors 2,189 2,189 2,000
Shepperton Parish Charity 2,500 2,500 2,500
Donations 13,222 13,222 7,871
Fundraising 8,599 8,599 9,319
Bank interest 104 104 31
Total 15,790 83,199 98,989 103,926
Payments
Salaries 14,065 62,867 76,932 72,131
Rent 1,800 1,800 1,800
Home-Start UK fee 1,871 1,871 1,611
Travel expenses 1,614 2,706 4,320 4,147
Stationery & post 2,935 2,935 2,629
Insurance 766 766 780
Training & support 385 867 1,252 1,107
Phones & IT 1,549 1,549 1,699
Equipment 1,966 1,966 1,217
Electricity 833
Sundries 413 413 174
Total 16,064 77,740 93,804 88,128
Surplus/(deficit) 5,185 15,798
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash funds on 31 March 19: £65,913 after increase of £5,185
Assets subject to depreciation: office equipment £1,647 after depreciation of £917.
Liabilities: rent undercharged £525. Electricity bill awaited.
Home-Start Spelthorne is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a constitution as governing
document. Trustees are appointed by the management committee. No remuneration has been paid
to trustees. The trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and
noted that any family in Spelthorne with a child under five is eligible to receive support from the
scheme.
Total number of referrals received 71
66
16
Home-Visiting
Support
Occasional
Support
18
5
1511
22Ashford
Shepperton
Staines
Stanwell
Sunbury
Annual Statistics 2018 - 2019
Total number of Referrals received – 71
Distribution of referrals How we supported families
within the Borough of Spelthorne
32 from Health
8 from Children
Centres
6 from Education
1 from Early
support team
2 North East
Family Support
12 were
self
referrals
1 other
5 from
Children
Services
4 from
Early Help
41% of families
were
isolated
82
families
170 Children
Number of
families
30
43% of families
had low
self-esteem
33% Needed help
with day to
day running of
the home
34%
were
struggling
managing their
children’s
behaviour
40% were coping
with mental
health
issues
Number of
families
29
Number of
families
28
Number of
families
24
Number of
families
23
We supported
Supporting Families
We tailor our support to each family and their specific needs, and we work with the whole family, providing a
package of support, comprised of emotional and practical support, activities with children and help to access
services. This year we supported 82 families, 170 children through home-visiting & occasional support. We also
offered families in Spelthorne, Fun days, Children’s Parties, Easter Hampers/Eggs and Christmas presents.
(Our thanks go to the Rotary Club of Shepperton & Sunbury, the Staines Society of Model Engineers, Ashford
Rotary, Eagle Radio and Alison Benjamin).
It was vital support when There is nothing I would change
we needed it most as a family. about this amazing service.
Knowing that I would have someone coming every week to help me
with my child made me look forward to my days.
Having a volunteer enabled me to get household chores or food shops done which was
a lifeline for me.
I had a new friend, somebody to talk to.
Home-Start really helped me and my family, from having someone to talk to and helping me
gain my confidence back. I can’t thank you all enough for what you have done for us!
Home-Start was fantastic for my family. Life was made easier, it was lovely having some adult
company, my children adored our volunteer. Thank you so much, it’s been a great experience.
Being a mum to two small children and heavily pregnant with no family support around me, it is tough. The couple of hours a week from my volunteer is
incredible, its made a huge difference to my wellbeing and also for my children.
It has lessened my anxiety when travelling with kids. I felt supported and not alone. It gave me whole new outlook on my situation and gave me coping strategies. It made my family’s life better, more
enjoyable and able to do outdoor activities.
The extra bit of help each week stopped us, as a family, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure we felt. Thank you.
It has been an honour to support families over the years and I have always felt a sense of
fulfilment from the work. I truly believe in the value of what Home-Start does and wish you continued success in the community.
I enjoyed my time as a volunteer and remain in touch with two of my families.
The understanding that I had acquired from Home-Start about post-natal depression
helped me support my own daughter.
The preparation course was enjoyable and informative, and I was impressed by how committed
both Home-Start volunteers and staff were.
I felt well supported and supervision was conducted in a professional manner and was very
helpful.
I was proud to be a member of the team and took every opportunity to promote
Home-Start. Excellent support.
My time with Home-Start made me feel humble and thankful for the life I have. It
has raised my awareness of the diverse family dynamics which exist.
The support from staff was invaluable and could be accessed any time. Very
approachable and easy to talk to.
Quotes from Volunteers on leaving
Friends and supporters
Surrey County Council Children’s Services
Spelthorne Borough Council
North West Surrey CCG
BBC Children in Need
St Nicholas Church Parish Charity Shepperton
Staines Society of Model Engineers
Co-op local community Fund Ashford Beth Scott
Rotary Club of Shepperton & Sunbury Kevin Bulfin
Rotary Club of Ashford Liz Jones
Rotary Club of Staines Steve Crookes
Kathy Kavanagh
Di Lewis
David Groves
Tracy Hould
Wendy Webb
Gareth Williams
Sue Scott
St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School Margaret Seager
Hughmark Markets (Kempton Park) Pauline Newman
1st Sunbury Rainbows Sue Lanigan
The Entertainer Staines Anne Bulfin
Runnymede & Spelthorne Mencap Society Anne Damerell
County Cllr. T Evans Sharon Koven
County Cllr. Islam Chris Fairhurst
County Cllr. Mooney Barbara Giles
Cllr Capes Diyanne Harding
Virginia Pale-Parsons Isobel Parr
St Mary Magdalene Church Susie Evans
Sunbury Neighbours Stewart Salmon
1st Sunbury Guides Amanda Harding
Squires Garden Centre Barbara Oakham
UFit Sue & Mick Price
Josh Frith Hilary Ryan
Eagle Radio C Bedwell
Staines St Mary’s Lodge Jean Rogers
Anna Cosgrove & BS9 Gill Neal
Brian & Margaret Hewes Gill Cowell
Tesco Lin Vintham
Nikki Morris
Carmel Hewitt
Christianah Ngozi
Sue Scott
Gill Neal
Friedl Hardman
Mrs K Friday
Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their expenses Alison Benjamin
Home-Start UK, all our referrers Sam Ford
Thanks to all our guest speakers who gave their time freely Brian Bulfin
and supported our preparation and training of our volunteers and
to the many people who have given us their support this year
How you can help Home-Start Spelthorne
By becoming a Home-visiting volunteer
By joining our Management Committee
By joining our Friends of Home-Start Spelthorne
By making a donation
By helping to organise a fundraising event
By encouraging your Business/Company/School to nominate
Home-Start as their Charity of the year
Home-Start Spelthorne
The Resource Centre
Staines Park
Commercial Road
Staines upon Thames
Middlesex
TW18 2QW
Telephone No. 01784 463200
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.home-startspelthorne.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/homestartspelthorne
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HomestartSpel
Reg. Charity No. 1160026