Our recent AGM was a joyful affair with an audience of over 50 attendees including the Town Mayor, volunteers, Councillors, referrers, Petersfield Lions, Petersfield Counselling Service, Probus and many other partners and well-wishers.
During the year 2023-24, we broke all our records and supported our highest ever number of local families in need.
- 262 families and 365 children engaged with Home-Start Butser’s services – representing a 48% increase from the previous year.
- 76 families were supported with home-visiting volunteers – an 18% increase.
- 170 were supported in groups, an 83% increase reflecting the expansion and value of our Family Groups. Please click here to view a film about our Little Steps Family Groups.
- We supported 20 children through our new After School Club, in partnership with local infant schools.
- 58% of families referred to HSB identified mental health as one of the issues they needed support with.
- 32% of families were stepped down or moved off Childrens’ Services plans during their time with Home-Start Butser.
- Our Young Families Counselling project has offered free, long-term counselling to 12 families to date.
- Volunteers remain consistent at 80 by running two 25 hour courses a year. The work has transformed many volunteer’s lives, they’ve developed confidence, found new work, and enjoyed a renewed sense of purpose in life.
- Increased partnership with other referral agencies including GPs, Health Visitors, schools, pre-schools, Children’s Services.
Our exciting new projects include:
- School Readiness groups, helping children to transition into Year R.
- New parent groups identified in response to the Health Visiting team no longer providing them due to lack of resource.
- Nourish to Flourish – a monthly cooking and wellbeing group.
- Walking Group – encouraging families to access the outdoors for a walk and connection with others.
- Growing, cooking and sharing food at the Community Garden in Petersfield.
The Annual Audrey Award, in memory of a very special trustee, Audrey Hollingbery, was presented to Jenny Cumming, a volunteer who has supported numerous families over 23 years. We heard moving messages from her families, testament to her incredible generosity, kindness and commitment and the difference she has made. Please click here to view a film from her last family.