Home-Start Wessex is delighted to have received a Community Support Award at the Poole Business Awards 2024 in recognition of its positive impact on the local community.

Organised by Marketing West, the Poole Business Awards recognise and reward local businesses that have significantly contributed to the local economy. First launched in 2021, a spokesperson said entries this year were higher in both number and quality, demonstrating the continued growth of the awards. The awards ceremony took place at Bournemouth University on June 25th and was well attended by over sixty people.

The Community Support Award is open to businesses, individuals and organisations that can demonstrate their involvement and support for their community through services, fundraising or physical or mental support.

Judges described Home-Start Wessex as a “worthy winner” and a “very worthy organisation” doing “wonderful work” in our local community. They highlighted comments from one of the mothers the charity helped, who said, “You were the light at the end of a long dark tunnel – thank you… for all (your) love and support and for making me feel that I was important and a good mother. You were my rock at a very difficult time in mine and my children’s lives.”

This year, we actually supported over 500 families, increasing by another 100 families compared to last year. We support families going through a major crisis in their lives for six months. More and more people have needed our services, so thank you very much. This makes a huge difference.”