Home-Start Isle of Wight held its third annual cream tea at Briddlesford Lodge Farm on Monday (15th July), raising vital funds to support local families who are facing difficulties.
Home-Start’s patron and owner at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Judi Griffin, generously organised this delicious event at a packed Bluebells Cafe. Guests included High Sheriff Geoff Underwood, Chair of the IW Council George Cameron, Cowes Mayor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Trustees, Home-Start volunteers, friends and supporters, who were all treated to tasty homemade scones topped with strawberry jam and lashings of Briddlesford clotted cream.
The event raised an incredible £651.40 through generous donations for the cream teas and a raffle, with prizes donated from many local businesses including Co-op Funeralcare Ryde, Just You, Beautify, Allsorts, PO41 Coffee House and Skintrade. This money will go towards Home-Starts vital work offering friendship, practical and emotional support to parents and carers with at least one child under school age, who are struggling with a variety of issues including mental health, post-natal illness, challenging behaviour, isolation, multiple birth, domestic abuse or disability.
Alison Griffiths, Home-Start senior co-ordinator said:
“We are so grateful to Judi for being such a great champion of our work and to the team at Bluebells for making it a really special afternoon. It was fantastic to see so many supporters who gave so generously. Times are challenging and events like this give us a real boost.”
The Home-Start team provide support in the home, practical help with the children and assist parents to access community services. Family groups also run every week during term time in Cowes, East Cowes, East and West Newport, Ryde, Shanklin and Sandown, with picnics and outings arranged during the summer holidays. These groups are an opportunity for parents and children to gain in confidence, meet new people and have fun together.
If you could benefit from Home-Start Isle of Wight’s support or would like to find out about fundraising or volunteering for the charity, visit www.homestartisleofwight.org.uk or call 01983 533357.
