A NEW appeal aims to help families with young children get through the challenging winter months that remain.
Home-Start Wessex’s Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal is raising vital funds to continue their work helping families as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

In a recent survey by Home-Start UK, 74 percent of families said they were expecting to need financial support this winter, with their children unable to sleep because they are cold and hungry.
In 2022, Home-Start Wessex helped a record 300 families across Dorset and the borders of Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Demand increased by 30 percent as more families struggled to cope and needed their help.
Volunteers provide practical, compassionate and emotional support to parents whose worries about finance are adding to the challenges of post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems and bereavement.
Alongside one-to-one support, they also run five family groups and weekly Wellness Walks to help families get outside and connect with others whilst having fun and getting some exercise.
Home-Start Wessex is also working with other local organisations to make sure the families they support get the emergency supplies or expert help they need.

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, chief executive of Home-Start Wessex, said: “Parents from across the area are telling us how they are worried because they can’t afford to heat their homes and are missing meals to buy nappies and food for their babies. We know times are tough for many people at the moment. But please give whatever you can. Even a small amount will make a huge difference in preventing families’ suffering this winter.”

To donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/homestartsoutheastdorset.
For more on the charity, including details on how to volunteer, contact michelle@homestartwessex.org.uk, or visit homestartwessex.org.uk.