“Every small act of kindness helps build a stronger community.”
Behind every charity is a network of people who quietly make a difference. While many people know Home-Start Camden & Islington for the support we provide to families, fewer know about the dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes to help make that support more effective.
The Friends of Home-Start Camden & Islington are a group of volunteers who work alongside our staff, supporting local families with children under five in a variety of practical and meaningful ways. Through fundraising, community engagement and hands-on support, they help strengthen the work we do every day.
Supporting Families Beyond the Front Line
The Friends Group currently includes 15 volunteers, each bringing different skills, experiences and ideas. Some members attend regular meetings every two months, while others get involved whenever a project or event needs an extra pair of hands.
Working closely with Home-Start staff, the group is able to respond quickly when unexpected needs arise, providing practical support that helps families receive the assistance they need without delay.
When Communities Come Together
The impact of the Friends Group can be seen through the many ways they respond to the needs of families and the organisation.
When around 150 new children’s books needed collecting within just two hours, one volunteer stepped in to collect and deliver them, ensuring they could reach local families.
During a Food Drive, the group used money raised through fundraising to purchase essential food items that had not been donated, making sure every food parcel was complete before distribution.
These actions may seem small, but together they create a lasting impact.
Creating Lasting Support
The Friends Group doesn’t only respond to urgent situations. They also develop projects that continue to support families long after a single event has ended.
One wonderful example is the Buggy Bank, where buggies donated by the friends are loaned to families before being returned to help someone else in the future. The group has also sourced and funded essential items, including a mattress for a mother facing particularly difficult circumstances.
Alongside this, they organise fundraising activities, represent Home-Start at community events, promote volunteering opportunities and help raise awareness across Camden and Islington.
“Community isn’t built by one person. It’s built by people coming together.”
Looking to the Future
The Friends Group continues to explore new ways to support Home-Start. From identifying affordable storage solutions to promoting volunteer opportunities and improving donation wish lists, they are constantly looking for practical ways to strengthen the organisation and expand its impact.
Every idea, every conversation and every act of generosity helps create stronger support for local families.
Would You Like to Become a Friend of Home-Start?
Whether you have a few hours to spare each month, enjoy organising events, have practical skills to share or simply want to give back to your community, there are many ways to get involved.
The Friends of Home-Start demonstrate that making a difference doesn’t always require a huge commitment. Sometimes it begins with saying yes to helping when it’s needed most.
Together, we can continue building a community where every family feels supported, valued and never alone.
Please express your interest via email at info@homestartcamden.org or by clicking here.
“Being part of the Friends Group has shown me how small acts of kindness can make a real difference to families in our community.”
— J, Friends of Home-Start
Written by Christina Tsartsaraki