As the days get shorter and the air a little crisper, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a busy and heart-warming October. From community events and family outings to new programmes and partnerships, it’s been a month full of connection and impact. Here’s a look back at what we’ve been up to — and what’s coming this November!
A big October thank-you 🧡
October was an inspiring and busy month for us at Home-Start Camden & Islington!
On 21 October, we were honoured to host the Camden Women’s Forum, where volunteers and families had the opportunity to learn about re-entering employment and share their views. A heartfelt thank you to Helene Reardon-Bond OBE and Angela Mason CBE. Together, as co-chairs, they led a powerful and inspiring discussion about empowering women and promoting equality across Camden.
Beyond our regular coffee mornings, families enjoyed exciting trips to the London Zoo, London Transport Museum and the British Library, where children and parents shared laughter and discovery.
We also laced up our trainers for the Lace Up for London Run in Regent’s Park — and raised over £3,000! 🎉
A huge thank-you to our amazing volunteers, staff members who ran, and our supporters at Cripps and Marlborough Highways for helping us reach this fantastic total.
October also marked the start of our final volunteer training of the year, as we welcomed more wonderful volunteers into our Home-Start family. We launched our Big Hopes, Big Futures programme — helping parents to create positive home-learning environments and prepare their children for starting school with confidence. And to top it off, we carried out a big food harvest in partnership with the Caring Family Foundation and The Felix Project, providing essential food support to local families. Thank you to everyone who contributed — your generosity truly makes a difference.
What’s happening in November
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Tuesday 5 & Monday 17 November – Islington Coffee Morning (10:00 – 11:30 am) at 84 Mayton St, N7 6QT
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Friday 7 November – Self-Defence Taster Class (9:00 – 9:45 am)
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Wednesday 12 November – Stay & Play (Kilburn) (1:00 – 2:30 pm) at Kilburn Grange Children’s Centre
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Friday 14 November – Dreamboard Workshop (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) at our office
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Friday 21 November – Coffee Morning (10:00 – 11:30 am) at our office
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Friday 28 November – Soup Taster & Chats (12:00 – 1:30 pm) with Leiho at our office
Please contact Zoe at zoe@homestartcamden.org for any events information!
🌟 Save the Date – Our Annual General Meeting 2025 🌟
We are delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting 2025: Dream Big, taking place at the British Library on Thursday 27 November from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Join us for this special evening to learn about our future plans, hear stories about our journey so far, and celebrate the incredible work of our volunteers, families and partners.
📍 The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB
🕕 Thursday 27 November, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
🍰 Refreshments will be provided
Please RSVP by emailing info@homestartcamden.org.
A few words about our former Chair of Trustees
This year marks an exciting new chapter for Home-Start Camden & Islington, with both a new CEO and a new Chair of Trustees! Our long-standing Chair, Ian, reflects on his time with us since joining the Board in 2018.
He recalls how the charity took on the challenge of merging with Home-Start Islington, undergoing a major strategic review to strengthen our structure, governance and capacity to support families across both boroughs. “It was a baptism of fire,” Ian says, “but an ideal way to learn about the many aspects of a trustee’s role.” From championing new communications and finance committees to guiding us through the Covid pandemic, Ian has helped shape the organisation we are today. Appointed Chair in 2021, he has since overseen key developments, including the appointment two new CEOs. Ian says his most memorable moments have been at social and fundraising events, meeting staff, volunteers and families, and witnessing firsthand the impact of our work. As he steps down as Chair but remains on our Board, we’re deeply grateful for his leadership, dedication and the lasting legacy he continues to build at Home-Start Camden & Islington.
Stay connected 💬
We’d love to see you at our events this month — whether for a friendly chat over coffee, a creative workshop, or our AGM celebration.
Together, we’re building stronger, happier families across Camden and Islington.