Gallery: Charity celebrates 25 years of helping families

AN Uttlesford-based charity has celebrated 25 years of helping families find their feet during very difficult times.

Since it began in 1984, voluntary organisation Home-Start Uttlesford has assisted the lives of many struggling families, with children under five years of age, by providing volunteers to help them cope.

On Friday the charity marked its quarter-century milestone by hosting a family fun day and children's party, and invited along all the families that received help previously and currently.

One couple, Bridget and Michael Marks, who were the first to seek help from charity, were present on the day.

Speaking at the fun day, Bridget said: "Our son Chris was not very well and would not eat for days on end. We heard about Home-Start from our doctor when we took him in to get checked over. They were amazing and so helpful.

"We had a volunteer visit us and help us for the next eight years. We could not have done it without them."

Home-Start chairman Helen Wood paid tribute to the many volunteers and staff involved in making the charity a success over the years.

"So far we have helped over 90 families and 200 children," she said. "We can help any family with at least one child under the age of five.

"We owe a special thank you to our staff, who run the scheme with enthusiasm and commitment, our volunteers, who give their time freely and lovingly to the families, and our friends and supporters, who raise funds and supplement grants."

She added: "Volunteers give weekly support to families, in their own homes, with young children under five, who may be feeling isolated, stressed or have difficulty managing the demands of everyday life.

"Family groups also meet each week in Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow and help parents enjoy being together and playing with their children."

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