Home-Start West Berkshire to delighted to announce that Zoe Benyon has agreed to become its first Patron. As a mother of two sons and three stepsons, Zoe understands the challenges of parenting, and the importance of the vital early years of children’s development.
Home-Start West Berkshire is there to provide support when families are facing challenges in providing their children the support they need, either because of financial hardship, isolation or physical or mental health issues, when the pressure and stress of a young family can be overwhelming. The Charity was established in 1997, and has been providing support for families with young children ever since. Trained volunteers give 2-3 hours a week to a family in their own home, helping them to alleviate their stresses and enjoy family life
Grace Green, Director of Home-Start West Berkshire said: “Home-Start is in the privileged position to be able to work with families in groups, but also in their own homes, a place where we can truly understand what life is like for the family. We are delighted to welcome Zoe as our patron. We are sure that her experience as a parent, and her commitment to the role will be a fantastic support to the Charity, enabling us to continue to provide our services to families – which is needed now more than ever before.
Zoe Benyon has a strong family connection to West Berkshire through her family home, Englefield House. Zoe is a trustee of the Greenham Common Trust, the Englefield Charitable Trust and a governor of Englefield C of E Primary School. In 1996 with fellow directors, Zoe set up the trusted British Jewellers, Robinson Pelham, so has been a working mother for many years.
On her new role, Zoe Benyon said: “I am delighted to be part of Home-Start which has the expertise to help young families through those first steps by giving practical support and knowing when to listen. I will be championing our cause at every possible opportunity.”
In an introduction to her role, Lady Benyon has attended the preparation course that supports volunteers. The course provides all the training volunteers need to help families in the home from listening skills to understanding how to safeguard children. Home-Start West Berkshire is always seeking new volunteers to manage the high number of families that need support. If you are interested in volunteering for Home-Start, please contact the office at office@home-startwb.org.uk for more information.