Volunteers recognised by Sutton charity Home Start as it celebrates 25 years in the town

The annual general meeting of Sutton-based charity Home Start takes place at Community of Christ Church, Sutton-in-Ashfield.

l-r Joan Broughton President of Sutton Inner Wheel, Jenny Hale Home Start Treasurer, Dodo Pearce, Noreen Bustin Inner Wheel, Denise Helliwell Chair of Home Start. — The annual general meeting of Sutton-based charity Home Start takes place at Community of Christ Church, Sutton-in-Ashfield. l-r Joan Broughton President of Sutton Inner Wheel, Jenny Hale Home Start Treasurer, Dodo Pearce, Noreen Bustin Inner Wheel, Denise Helliwell Chair of Home Start.

The hard work of volunteers, who help to improve the lives of families around Ashfield, was recognised at an event organised by a charity.

Home Start Ashfield, which is based on Percival Crescent on Sutton’s Carsic estate, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the town this year and at its annual general meeting on Monday, the volunteers were given awards for their dedication.

The charity helps families with children under five-years-old by linking them up with volunteers who are parents themselves.

At the AGM, held at the Community of Christ Church at the Oval, there was an activity session for youngsters provided by Sure Start while parents got the opportunity to take part in craft sessions.

Forty volunteers from around Ashfield were recognised for their contribution and they were presented with their awards by Margaret Harrison, the founder of Home Start.

Liz Sheldon, a senior organiser at Home Start Ashfield, said: “The volunteers received the awards courtesy of their district councillors because they funded them.”

James Sainsbury, who is chair of the trustees of Home Start UK, also addressed the meeting, while members of the Sutton Inner Wheel group made a £500 donation.

In late 2011, Chad readers helped to make Christmas special for youngsters in the district by generously donating hundreds of toys, selection boxes, books and games.

These were donated to children at the Home Start Christmas party.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer for Home Start Ashfield is urged to call the charity on Mansfield 513137.