A voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to disadvantaged and vulnerable young children and their families has secured further support from Dorset Tea.
The company is to continue its ‘communi-tea’ partnership with Home-Start Wessex, pouring a further £5,000 into the charity’s work this year.
The donation will back its volunteer programme, as well as reach families in need across the Wessex region with 1:1 support.
It costs approximately £900 on average to help one family for a period of six months with the extra funding supporting five local families.
In 2023, Home-Start Wessex helped a record 402 local families.
Despite huge challenges, the charity increased its support by 63 per cent, from helping 246 vulnerable families to 404, transforming 1,330 lives.
In Bournemouth and Poole, alone, Home-Start Wessex supported more than 130 families and 263 children, many living in temporary accommodation.
At least 25 per cent had suffered domestic violence.
Other issues faced by families included poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, bereavement, isolation, low income, or inadequate housing.
The Dorset Tea donation comes at a crucial time after its sister charity organisation, Home-Start West Dorset, closed.
Home-Start Wessex stepped in to extend its reach to cover communities in the West Dorset area, including Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and Lyme Regis.
The charity’s Administration and Community Liaison Officer, Claire Collins, also happens to be the granddaughter of Dorset Tea’s founder, Keith Spicer.
Unsurprisingly she has always recognised the importance of a good cup of tea.
Claire said: “A cup of tea is often crucial to creating trust and connection.”
Home-Start UK’s CEO, Peter Grigg, even highlighted the power of a cup of tea in a recent speech.
He said: “Tea is a massive part of the Home-Start model.
“How many people in your life know how you like a cup of tea?
“It’s people who you trust to share your personal preferences with.
“We know how people like their tea, we know what sort of support families need.”
Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex, said: “We are so proud to be working in partnership with Dorset Tea, especially following our expansion into West Dorset.
“Our joint aims are about bringing communities and people together, and the support through Dorset Tea and the Harris Freeman Foundation means we can do just that.
“Over the next 12 months, we aim to recruit and train more volunteers across Dorset, who in turn will be able to provide more of the vital support that is needed for local families.”
Lauren Forecast from Dorset Tea said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Home-Start Wessex and support a local charity that has such a positive impact on the community.
“Their tireless efforts to support parents and children are essential, and we are honoured to contribute to their important work – with both funding and, of course, tea!”
Dorset Tea is encouraging charities and local causes to get in touch as part of its ongoing ‘Communi-Tea’ initiative. Email chat@dorsettea.co.uk to find out more.