October News and Updates

It’s been a busy and exciting time at Home-Start Camden & Islington! We’ve welcomed new volunteers and staff, strengthened our team through training, and worked with fantastic partners to support local families. Here are some of our latest updates.

👋 Welcome to Our New Staff Members

We’re delighted to welcome our newest members of staff to the Home-Start Camden & Islington team! We’re very excited to have them join us and look forward to everything they will bring to our work supporting local families.

Soumia Lounis

Hi everyone! I’m Soumia, the new Community Events and Volunteer Coordinator at Home-Start.

I’m incredibly passionate about community and the positive impact that bringing people together can have. I have a background in mental health and supporting young people, and I truly believe in the power of connection, kindness, and collective support.

I’m really excited to meet all the wonderful families, volunteers, and community partners we work with, and I look forward to creating opportunities for people to connect.

Akanksha Saxena

Hi there

– I’m Aka, the new Family Liaison Manager. Alongside the two other FLMs I will be working to support volunteers in their wonderful work, and to make sure families get the right support at the right time. My last role was at Mind in West London, where I supported parents navigating their children’s mental health and SEND needs.

Looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting as many of you as possible!

🏃‍♀️ Lace Up for Home-Start!

Our fundraising run is also underway! Our runners are taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for Home-Start Camden & Islington and help us continue supporting local families. You can support them by donating or simply sharing our fundraising page with your friends, family and networks. Every share and donation helps us reach more families who need our support. Please click here for the link to the page!

🌱 Welcoming New Volunteers

On 1st of October, we welcomed a new group of volunteers starting our 7-week preparation course. The course now includes School Readiness training, giving volunteers additional knowledge and skills to support families as their children prepare for school. We’re so excited to welcome our new volunteers!

💚 Mental Health First Aid Training

Our Home-Start volunteers recently completed Mental Health First Aid training with Rethink Mental Illness. The training will help our volunteers feel more confident in understanding and responding to mental health needs when supporting families. A big thank you to Rethink Mental Illness for helping us strengthen our volunteers’ skills!

🏠 Thank You, Reformation Charity!

In September, Reformation Charity completed renovation work for one of our families. Reformation is a London-based charity that brings volunteers together to support communities through practical projects, including home renovations. We’re incredibly grateful for their time, skills and hard work in helping create a more comfortable home for a Home-Start family. Thank you, Reformation!

We’re incredibly grateful to all our volunteers, staff, supporters and partners for the time, energy and generosity they give to Home-Start. Together, we’re helping families feel supported, stronger and less alone. ❤️