Home Start Teesside (HST), a voluntary organisation, committed to promoting the welfare of families, has won the ‘Charity/Voluntary’ category in the Tees Businesswoman awards, which were held last night (27 September) at Hardwick Hall.

Michelle Hardy, who heads up (HST), was also a finalist in the ‘Inspiring Others’ category.

The charity covers Stockton, Middlesborough, Redcar and Cleveland, where it works with parents in their own homes, providing them with an essential lifeline to help them cope with an array of life’s challenges, giving them the skills, confidence, and strength to nurture their children for a better, brighter future.

In the last year the team has worked with 108 families, with 340 children, helping them to cope with some of life’s toughest challenges, from postnatal depression and mental health problems, to bereavement, financial worries and coping with isolation.

HST is fully charity funded, from sources such as the National Lottery and Children in Need, as well as through four local successful charity shops.

Scheme manager at HST, Michelle Hardy and her team were delighted to receive the award in front 440 guests.

“I’m over the moon and so proud of the Charity, it was a wonderful feeling that the work of Home Start Teesside was recognised, especially the difference we make to the lives of young children,” she said.

 

“We have an excellent team of five staff and 17 trained volunteers, who are so passionate about the work we do and the benefits our help brings to parents who are struggling.

 

“Many of my team were previously stay-at-home mums, while others come to HST at the start of their retirement, as they see it as an opportunity for them to have a productive and purposeful role in society.

 

“We are always looking for more volunteers. The rewards you get when you see a parent’s self-esteem and a can-do attitude improve is immensurable. So please get in touch.”

If you would like to volunteer call Michelle on 01642 501811