Over the past few months we have celebrated incredible volunteers, welcomed new opportunities, supported families through community projects and prepared for exciting events ahead. This month, we also say goodbye to two valued members of our team whose dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on families across Camden and Islington. Here are all our news, highlights and everything you need to know about us.
Farewell to Two Wonderful Team Members
After many years of dedication, we say a heartfelt goodbye to two wonderful members of the Home-Start family.
Saiqa Pandor leaves us after an incredible 20+ years of service. Joining Home-Start in 2004 as a volunteer, Saiqa brought warmth, wisdom and compassion drawn from her experience as a mother of seven. She became a full-time Family Liaison Manager in 2007 and has been at the heart of our Islington presence ever since — supporting families, organising events and maintaining strong connections across the borough. Saiqa’s passion for empowering families has inspired so many. As George Michael once said, “You have to have faith in yourself.” Saiqa has spent 20 years helping others do exactly that.
We also say goodbye to Zoë Hedderwick, our Community Project Manager, who joined us in April 2025. Zoë brought creativity, music and community spirit into everything she did — from family events and foodbanks to cultural projects that brought people together. As she begins her next chapter in Barcelona, we leave her with the Spanish saying: “Donde hay música, hay vida” — “Where there is music, there is life.”
We wish Saiqa and Zoë all the very best for the future. It has been a privilege working together.
Volunteer Prep Course
Our second Volunteer Preparation Course is now underway! The course began on 14th May and will continue until 2nd July. Earlier this year we welcomed 12 new volunteers to Home-Start Camden & Islington, and we are excited to welcome even more new volunteers through this latest training this October.
Our volunteer preparation courses play a vital role in equipping volunteers with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to support families across Camden and Islington, so if you are interested please contact us today by pressing here.
School Readiness Programme
Starting school is a big milestone for both children and parents, and it is never too early to begin preparing. Our School Readiness Programme is currently running and offers fun tips, advice, tools and simple activities to help children build confidence, routines, independence, communication and social skills before starting school.
School readiness is about so much more than reading and writing. Everyday activities such as sharing stories, getting dressed independently, taking turns, following routines and learning through play all help children feel happy, confident and ready to learn.
Please keep an eye out for the next set of programme dates, coming soon.
Working With Home-Start UK
Isolation and loneliness continue to affect many families, with over half of parents reporting that they struggle with these feelings day to day.
We have been working closely with Home-Start UK to open up conversations around these important issues. Some of our amazing families generously shared their voices and experiences to help shine a light on the realities of loneliness and isolation for parents.
The aim is to break down stigma, encourage open discussion and help families feel less alone. We are extremely grateful to every parent who took part and shared such valuable insights.
Volunteer Feedback Report
Recently, we shared an anonymous Volunteer Feedback Form with our volunteers to better understand their experiences volunteering with Home-Start Camden & Islington. We were delighted to receive an average score of 4.83 stars. Thank you so much!
We also asked volunteers what motivates them to continue volunteering with us. Here are some of their responses:
“I feel the longer I volunteer the more I learn and with experience comes confidence which allows me to be more useful to families.”
“What was originally an effort of mine to gain some more experience in an admin and office role quickly developed into a growing appreciation for all the hard work the team at Home-Start puts into helping families. It’s truly inspiring!”
“The families with their many different needs for support. The support and care I am getting from my Family Liaison Worker.”
We are incredibly grateful for the compassion, commitment and kindness our volunteers continue to show every day.
Trustee Fair
Two of our trustees recently attended a trustee recruitment fair to meet people interested in joining our Board of Trustees and supporting the future development of Home-Start Camden & Islington.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a trustee and supporting local families, keep an eye on our future updates and opportunities.
Thank You Computers4Good
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Computers4Good for donating three refurbished Dell laptops to Home-Start Camden & Islington.
Computers4Good is a non-profit organisation that refurbishes donated technology and redistributes it to charities, schools and community organisations, helping reduce digital exclusion and electronic waste while supporting important community work.
These laptops will make a real difference to our staff, volunteers and families, and we are extremely grateful for their generous support.
Upcoming Events
We have a number of exciting events and activities coming up over the next few months for families, volunteers and our wider community.
Volunteer Support Day
Wednesday 9th July
10am – 12pm
Home-Start Camden & Islington Office, Kentish Town
A welcoming morning for volunteers to come together, meet fellow Home-Start volunteers and connect with staff and one another.
Friends of Home-Start Group Lunch
Friday 17th July
12pm – 2pm
7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
We are organising a lunch for all Friends of Home-Start Group members and hope many of you can join us to meet fellow Friends and staff members. More information will be shared nearer the time.
Foundling Museum Art Classes for Mothers
We are delighted to continue our regular Foundling Museum sessions for mothers. These creative art classes offer a welcoming and supportive space for mothers to relax, connect and explore creativity together.
Islington Coffee Morning
Sunday 1st June
10am – 11:30am
84 Mayton Street, N7 6QT
Coffee Morning – Allen Hall
Thursday 5th June
11am – 12:30pm
Allen Hall, Bourne Estate, Portpool Lane, EC1N 7AA
Coffee Morning & Special Farewell
Friday 12th June
10am – 11:30am
Home-Start Camden & Islington Office, 7 Dowdney Close, NW5 2BP
This session will also be Zoë Hedderwick’s last day with us, and we will be taking a moment to celebrate and thank her for her contribution to the organisation.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming activities and events.
Thank you to all our volunteers, families, supporters, partners and staff who continue to make Home-Start Camden & Islington such a supportive and welcoming community. Your kindness, time and commitment help families feel connected, empowered and supported every day. We look forward to sharing more updates and seeing many of you at our upcoming events and activities.