On Sunday the 26th of May, 10 members of the CG&Co team took part in the Great Manchester 10k, raising £860 for the chosen charity of the year, Home Start Manchester.

About Home Start

Home Start Manchester recruit, train and support an army of local parent volunteers, many of which have been through challenges themselves in the past. They are carefully matched with a family and visit them every week.

The visits are often in their homes and provide:

• Friendship

• A non-judgmental ear

• Practical help and guidance

• Help to get out

• Access services

• Build a network of support.

  
  

The small staff team equip and guide over 90 volunteers with robust training, supervision, and checks. Home Start is set up as a network of over 200 independent branches across the UK. CG&Co will be working closely with the Manchester branch in their fundraising endeavours for 2024, in hopes of making a difference to the local community.

How our donation can help

£860 = support for a family and their children for 6 months, visiting them every week.

An example of the type of situation that funding can help: Home Start Manchester recently had a pregnant girl of 15 referred to them. She was extremely vulnerable and isolated, with no family or appropriate support due to being a care leaver herself. Despite being in supported accommodation, she had nothing for the baby and was not prepared. Home Start Manchester matched her with a volunteer who acted like a mother figure that she’d never had. They helped her access grants to get all the essential baby items and taught her all the basics of caring for a baby.

After the baby was born the volunteer visited every week, offering respite whilst mum slept, helping mum to bathe the baby, and being a shoulder for mum who was understandably overwhelmed. This last week they have gone swimming together and mum and baby are doing well! Home Start will continue to support as long as they need it.

Well done team CG&Co!