If there’s one thing that the last year has shown us, it’s how we pull together as a community to support each other.
There have been some incredible examples of this; both nationally – Captain Tom, the NHS weekly clapping, and locally – local businesses donating food to our NHS and at Home-Start our lovely supporter Lindy’s painted rocks… to name but a few.
At Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire (HSRBSC) we have been working hard to continue supporting those families that need us, while paying close attention to Government guidelines and advice around social distancing, ensuring safety for the families we support, our volunteers and our staff.
But we know families are still finding things really tough. One mum told us:
“Lockdown was brutal. My family’s mental health has suffered. Losing all physical support and being unable to get to normal stress-relieving activities has been tough. I feel like parents have had an extremely tough time during this crisis. Mentally, physically and financially.”
Hearing words like that remind us how important it is for Home-Start to keep on securing the funding that enables us to help families. We have been humbled by the funding support received to date from our local community.
But, as we move closer towards the next financial year, we face questions over our funding streams: people are becoming tired of online events; we continue to be unable to plan face-to-face events, and the financial implications of the virus begin to take their toll.
That’s why right now supporting HSRBSC by purchasing a lottery ticket through the East Herts Lottery is an important and easy way to help us continue to meet our funding requirements. You don’t need to be an East Herts resident: anyone can join, wherever they live in the country. And, what’s good about this sort of funding is it’s regular. We know what’s coming and it helps us with planning services, to meet the ever-changing needs of the families that we support.
If you are interested in joining the lottery you can do so here www.easthertslottery.co.uk/support/home-start-royston-and-south-cambridgeshire or by calling 01279 912777. For just £5 a month you are in with a chance of winning a cash prize and 50% of every ticket you purchase will go directly to us, helping to provide us with ongoing funds to continue delivering our services to those who need us most.
“I can honestly say the support has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. Thank you so much for doing everything you can to continue your support with families during this challenging time.”
“I always feel uplifted after (my volunteer) has called. Keep up the good work. I have found Home-Start invaluable over the last few months.”
“I have really appreciated having the service especially during lockdown as it has been such a lonely and isolating time.”
We’re not out of the woods yet, but we know that connection and kindness matters and together we’re stronger, even when we’re apart. So, thank you for everything you’re doing for your community!
