As we prepare to hang up our stockings, everyone at Home-Start North and West Gloucestershire has been taking a moment to look back on what has been a truly remarkable year.
2025 has been a year of significant growth for our charity. None of what we have achieved would have been possible without the incredible hard work, dedication, and heart of our volunteers, staff, and trustees. Together, you have shown exactly what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose: making sure that no family feels alone.
Making Festive Memories
The lead-up to Christmas has been filled with magic. On Sunday 16th November, we joined forces with the Aspire Foundation for a special trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Santa Train. From juggling elves and friendly snowmen to mince pies on the tracks, it was a morning of pure joy for our families.
Our festive preparations actually started back in October at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Centre, where our wonderful volunteers spent a morning crafting handmade Christmas crackers. These small touches make a huge difference to the families we support and the centres that partner with us.
Celebrating Our Impact
Behind every statistic is a family whose life has been changed for the better. Through our services this year, we have seen profound positive impacts for both children and parents. We are proud to share that:
- 95% of parents reported an improvement in their wellbeing.
- 90% felt reduced stress and frustration around parenting.
- 90% of parents felt more connected to a community of like-minded mums and carers.
- 81% reported improvements in their mental health and ability to cope.
- 81% felt more confident and reassured about their parenting abilities.
- 76% saw an improvement in their parental skills.
- 76% of parents reported reduced levels of anxiety and depression.
The Power of Community Partnerships
We are constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community. This year:
- The Salvation Army Cheltenham has once again provided incredible support, with our Operations Manager, Emma, helping to deliver Christmas hampers filled with food and toys.
- Dunelm’s ‘Delivering Joy’ campaign has seen generous donations arrive for our families, ensuring every child has something special to open.
- The Winchcombe Show committee kindly donated £300 following their 75th-anniversary show in August. Donations like these are the lifeblood of our work, allowing us to offer the practical help and friendship parents need most.
Fundraising & Community Engagement
Our charity thrives thanks to the efforts of those who not only deliver services but also champion our cause. This year, our team has gone the extra mile—literally:
- Emma Peel challenged herself to walk, run, or cycle 500 miles, raising vital unrestricted funds.
- Jo Andrews swam the equivalent of the English Channel, raising £600.
- Our trustees led a “Five for Five” fundraising walk to mark our 5th anniversary as a local Home-Start.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Funders
We are deeply grateful to all our funders, from those providing large grants to the smaller donations and the tireless fundraising efforts of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. Every pound makes a significant difference in our ability to support families across the county.
We would like to recognise and thank the following organisations and trusts for their vital support:
- The Henry Smith Charity
- One Gloucestershire
- Aspire Foundation
- Forest of Dean District Council
- Charles Russell Speechlys
- Barnwood Trust
- Peter Lang Children’s Trust
- 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
- National Benevolent Charity
- CHK Foundation
- St James’s Place Charitable Foundation
- The National Lottery
A special thanks also goes to one of our long-standing volunteers whose nomination secured a £5,000 grant, directly supporting our home visits and group work. To everyone who has contributed, supported, or cheered us on: Thank you. You are helping us build stronger families and a more resilient Gloucestershire.
All that is left to do is wish our families, volunteers, team, funders and supporters a very Merry Christmas! We’ll see you in the New Year.