Home-Start Teesside recognised for its work with families in the community. Home-Start Teesside (HST), has won the Healthwatch South Tees STAR Making a Difference – Volunteer Award for 2023, which took place on 19 April 23 in the Legends Lounge at Middlesborough FC in front of more than 200 people. Michelle Hardy Scheme Manager with members of the team including, volunteers, staff, trustees and those who we have supported attended the event. The awards, which celebrate volunteers who give their time within the health or care service to make a positive difference to people within the community, received a record number of nominations this year. HST was recognised for the voluntary work it does in promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five. Each family receives a weekly visit with the aim of helping the key person in the child’s life. This not only gives the parent(s) a bit of ‘time out’, it also enables the volunteers to chat and listen to those who may be struggling in a compassionate, non-judgemental way, so they can provide confidential support. The volunteers go above and beyond in supporting families whether that is encouraging walks in the fresh air, helping to wallpaper or looking after the children while the parent visits the dentist. They also help with budgeting, filling out forms and prioritising household chores. Of those families HST has helped, one-in-five has gone on to become volunteers themselves. This year the charity gifted more than 400 toys for Christmas, as well as over 300 books throughout the year, and IT equipment for those in digital poverty. Speaking about the award, Michelle Hardy, who heads up HST, said, “I am so proud to receive this award on behalf of all our volunteers who make such a difference in our community. “They often stand alongside families at the darkest times to help them safely through to the ‘other side’. By breaking down the isolation and loneliness we dramatically improve their mental health. “The volunteers help improve the lives of children by playing a vital role in the 1001 critical days which is the peak period for a child’s brain development and when babies are at their most vulnerable. “HST is fully charity funded from sources such as the National Lottery and Children in Need as well as through our four charity shops. “We are always looking for more volunteers, so please get in touch with me. I guarantee the rewards you will get with you see a parent’s self-esteem and can-do attitude improve are immeasurable.