H￿NE STIRT Berkshire East Annual Report 2024-2025 ••• - - Home Start Berkshire East is a home and support to families with young children. We support families across Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot and army families in Windsor. |Chair’s report|1| |---|---| |Scheme report|2| |Who we are|3| |Treasurer’s report|5| |Annual statistics|6| |Working in partnership—Children in Need|8| |Working in partnership—The Henry Smith Charity|9| |Working in partnership—The National Lottery|11| |Working in partnership—Public Health Slough|12| |Windsor Army Families|13| |Women’s allotment project|14| |Looking forward|15| |Our supporters|16| |Feeling the love|17| |Sharing the love|18| |A huge thankyou!|20| |Trustees report and accounts|21| - Home Start Berkshire East 29 Church Street, Slough SL1 1PL T: 01753 572958 W: www.homestartberkshireeast.org.uk Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon Lady Ogilvy, KG, GCVO Charity number: 1162003, Company number: 09563378 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** Supporting parents to give their children the best start in life **“Home-Start Berkshire East is an established, trusted voluntary service supporting the local community working in partnership with parents to empower them to give their children a better future.”** ## **Chair’s report** Throughout the year we continued to face an unprecedented demand for our services with families facing many challenging situations and presenting an increasing level of complexity. Through the tremendous efforts of our staff, volunteers, and trustees I am proud to report that we provided support to 801 children / 414 families with transformational results. As this was our first full year operating as Home-Start Berkshire East, following our merger with Family Friends and our expansion into Windsor and Maidenhead, our focus has been on strengthening our new foundations. We worked hard to build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders and to define a bold vision for the future — one that raises the bar for family support services across Slough, Windsor, and Maidenhead. Alongside this, we integrated our teams, streamlined processes, and created a stronger, more unified organisation to deliver the very best support for families in need. As we reflect on the year, our team have continued to be agile, flexible and resourceful to cope with the unprecedented demand for our services. We have seen a sharp rise in the complexity of challenges faced by families, including worsening mental health, housing instability, and growing feelings of isolation and despair. Many families are living in unsuitable housing, while others are battling to cope with overwhelming pressures and poverty. Our waiting list remained high throughout the year as we worked tirelessly to secure additional funding, expand our group services, and adapt our delivery model to reach more families. These rising needs have coincided with a national decline in volunteering, which has added another layer of challenge. Yet, despite this, our fantastic staff and volunteers have shown incredible creativity and determination, ensuring that families receive the support they deserve. We are continuing to explore new and innovative ways to attract and retain volunteers, as they remain at the very heart of what we do. This year, our Family Support Group proudly celebrated 20 years of creating a safe, nurturing, and creative space where children can grow in confidence through play, exploration, and discovery. For over a decade, Children in Need has been a vital supporter, and we were delighted to have Pudsey, and a representative join our founders to mark this special occasion. A huge, huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey and enabled us to stay true to the vision set out two decades ago. From a financial perspective, our total income grew by £71,703, reflecting the first full year of our expansion and the integration of Family Friends. With this growth has come the challenge of ensuring long-term sustainability. We have significantly stepped up our fundraising efforts, forging new relationships with - grant makers, foundations, and corporate partners across Windsor and Maidenhead. We are deeply grateful to our funders for their flexibility and trust, which have allowed us to deliver a diverse range of services that truly meet the needs of our communities. Looking ahead, our ambitions are clear. We aim to expand our capacity and deliver outcome-driven interventions that have a lasting impact on families. This will require attracting new and diverse sources of funding, as well as refining our strategic plan to ensure that we accelerate our ability to increase our capacity and deliver services to meet the needs of the community. As always, Home-Start Berkshire East has made significant impact and transformational differences on the lives of many this year. It has been a year of challenges and growth and expansion. I fully recognise and appreciate the fantastic effort and contribution from all our staff, volunteers, Trustees and supporters who go “above and beyond” ensuring that we can continue to support our families. I have no doubt that every family whose lives we have touched would join me in expressing heartfelt thanks for the care, compassion, and commitment that you have shown. Together, we will continue to develop, grow, and strengthen our services, working tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of our community and to give every child the best possible start in life. **Lesley Michaelis, Chair** 1 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Scheme Report ## **Rising to the challenge** This year has been one of continued growth and impact for Home-Start Berkshire East. Referrals rose by 14.5% to 388, with 727 referrals made across all projects and 414 families supported – a 13.1% increase on last year. Of these, 196 families accessed more than one service, showing the breadth of our support. Referral pathways continue to diversify. Self-referral is now our largest source (27.6%), followed by health visitors (25.8%). Encouragingly, social media referrals grew by 18, highlighting the value of our digital presence. We supported 801 children, including 110 through our nursery programme. The majority (69%) were under five, reflecting the importance of our early years focus. Families came from a wide range of backgrounds: 55% from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, 23% White British, and 22% recorded as unknown. 26.7% were single parents and 8% of main carers were young parents aged 16–24. Our volunteers remain the backbone of our work. This year, 67 volunteers contributed 3,703 hours, the - equivalent of 2.1 full time staff. They supported 71 families, arranged 737 visits or calls, and achieved a 72% successful contact rate. Key projects included: - BBC Children in Need: Supported 348 families and 612 children. - Henry Smith Connect: Supported 46 families, more than doubling the previous year. - Army Covenant Fund: Supported 49 families, continuing our commitment to military families. - Baby & Me Project: Supported 83 families, including 17 young parents. Outcomes across all projects were strong, with over 80% of families reporting improvements in areas such as children’s behaviour, emotional health, coping with isolation, and self-esteem. professional practice by introducing Peer Support sessions before team meetings, giving staff time to reflect on the support provided for complex families and to share learning. We are proud that our commitment to quality was - recognised with two “Excellent” ratings from Home Start UK – in both the Family Support Quality Assurance assessment and the Protecting Families Quality Assurance assessment. – We also marked a very special milestone in October the 20th anniversary of our Little Starters Playgroup. We celebrated with Pudsey Bear and all our families and children – a joyful event that highlighted the impact of two decades of play, learning, and connection. While we said a fond farewell to Aga and Teresa, we were delighted to welcome Salot and Uzma to the Little Starters team and Gemma as a new Family Support Coordinator. We remain committed to safeguarding, with seven concerns raised and 49 children on Child in Need or Child Protection Plans. Overall, this year demonstrates how Home-Start Berkshire East continues to adapt, grow, and provide - vital, life changing support for families across our communities. **Anne Gilbert, CEO** - National Lottery Community Fund: 130 families engaged in 10 groups with strong outcomes - - around parental self esteem, mental health, and reducing isolation. 2 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Who we are Home-Start Berkshire East is a charitable company limited by guarantee that was set up in Slough in April 2015, incorporated in August 2015 and registered as a charity in June 2015. Home-Start Berkshire East is affiliated to Home-Start UK. ## **- Trustees 2024 25** Chair Treasurer Individual Representative Individual Representative Individual Representative Individual Representative Individual Representative Individual Representative Lesley Michaelis David Ashwell Until August 2025 Fiona Vardy Kiran Dhoot Rachel Hedges Karen Olney Helen Nickless Janice Miller From Nov 2024 ## **– 25** CEO Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Family Support Coordinator Team Support Coordinator Office Coordinator Anne Gilbert Nafisa Sarwar Claire Allison Until March 2025 Caris Connor Eve Murphy Sarah Harris Gurpal Bharj Joanna Campobello Paula Imber Kerry Byde Alison Bowers Julie Papworth ## **– Sessional Workers 2024 25** Sessional Worker Roxanne Ward Sessional Worker Aga Gawlak Until December 2024 Sessional Worker Teresa Winyard Until December 2024 Sessional Worker Salot Immelman From March 2025 Sessional Worker Uzma Malik From February 2025 **Independent Examiner:** Martin Gatehouse, Microentity Limited **Bankers:** CAF Bank, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA 3 **CLAIRE ALLISON FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR** **JOANNA CAMPOBELLO FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR** **EVE MURPHY FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR** **TERESA WINYARD LITTLE STARTERS SESSIONAL WORKER** ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** The Team **GURPAL BHARJ PROJECT COORDINATOR** **ALISON BOWERS OFFICE COORDINATOR** ## **KERRY BYDE** **TEAM SUPPORT COORDINATOR** **PAULA IMBER FAMILY SDUPPORT COORDINATOR** **AGA GAWLAK SARAH HARRIS LITTLE STARTERS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR** **NAFISA SARWAR CARIS THOMAS ROXANNE WARD FAMILY SUPPORT FAMILY SUPPORT LITTLE STARTERS COORDINATOR COORDINATOR SESSIONAL WORKER** **JULIE PAPWORTH DATA OFFICER** **SALOT IMMELMAN, UZMA MALIK, ROXANNE WARD** 4 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Funding our work ## **Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended 31st March 2025** programmes. - In parallel, our overall cost base the majority of which - - comprises staff related expenses rose by 40%. While this may seem disproportionate, the increase is primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of costs for the Family Friends team, compared to only 50% in the previous year when the merger was completed part way through the year. It also reflects our need to invest more in our team to ensure we have sufficient skills, experience and capacity to support the increasingly complex and challenging needs of the children and families we support. ## **Financial highlights** - 30% increase in income compared to previous year - New three-year £105,000 grant from Children in Need - Managed to maintain three months of unrestricted reserves Despite an increasingly competitive funding landscape, I am delighted to report a 30% increase in income, driven largely by the continued and expanded support of some long-standing donors **.** This growth reflects the strong confidence our funding partners have in our work and recognition of the impact and benefit of our Looking ahead, we remain in a relatively strong - position, supported by some ongoing multi year grant commitments. Nonetheless, we recognise the need for - prudent financial management to safeguard the long term sustainability of our essential services. We will continue to seek new and diverse funding opportunities, while maintaining a clear focus on efficiency, ensuring we can expand our reach and impact and reduce our current reliance on a small number of funders. ## **Janice Miller, Treasurer** 5 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Annual statistics ## **Reasons families need us** ## **% of families expressing need at referral** ## **How we have helped** ## **% of** 6 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Annual statistics ## **Ethnicity of our - Length of support Home Start community (%)** ## **Sources of referrals** ## **Family types** 7 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Working in partnership ## **Working with BBC Children in Need Addressing health inequalities in Slough** – **Engagement and Progress** Both morning and a�ernoon sessions remained popular throughout the year. Although some families ended early due to being rehoused outside the area or children moving into nursery places, referrals remain strong, and sessions are returning to full capacity. **BBC Children in Need – Little Starters Project** The **Little Starters project** , supported through BBC Children in Need funding, continues to provide meaningful early years opportunities for families across Slough. Over the past year, the project has offered structured sessions, seasonal celebrations, and targeted activities to support children’s development and strengthen family wellbeing. – **Smaller Group Benefits** At times when group numbers were lower, families benefited from smaller group work, enabling more tailored support and focused learning. **Family Picnic and Summer Break** – Sessions closed for the summer on 1st August with a family picnic, where children and parents enjoyed outdoor activities together. A�er a short break, new families joined the programme when sessions restarted on 22nd August with a refreshed activity programme. ## **Programme Highlights:** ## – **Outdoor and Healthy Living Activities** A programme of outside activities for parents and children was planned, alongside healthy eating sessions delivered in local nurseries. Families also took part in interactive - cooking demonstrations, including making tomato based recipes with produce from the allotments. Sessions encouraged families to take fresh vegetables home and try new meals together. ## **Festive Highlights:** On 12th December, families were invited to a **special Christmas party** , held across two sessions. Children enjoyed meeting Father Christmas, who distributed gi�s including pyjamas, toys, stockings, and chocolates. Music, games, and activities created a joyful community atmosphere. **Communication Event** – On 12th July, a fun and engaging communication event was hosted for all HSBE families, delivered in partnership with the Little Starters team. The event brought together external agencies from Health, Early Years services, local libraries, and Jo Jingles to share activities and resources with families. Families were also invited to attend the **Christmas pantomime in Windsor** . For many, this was their first experience of live theatre. With encouragement and support, families overcame initial anxieties, and feedback confirmed it was a memorable and positive experience for all. **Cultural Celebrations** – Weekly sessions included celebrations of St Patrick’s Day and Eid, helping families feel valued and included. These activities created opportunities for children to learn about different traditions and for parents to share their culture. ## **Summary:** The BBC Children in Need funded Little Starters project continues to provide an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for families. By combining creative play, healthy living, cultural celebration, and community connections, the programme has strengthened family confidence, improved children’s development, and widened opportunities for social participation. **Community Connections** – Families benefited from visits by Slough Children’s Centre Hubs, which provided guidance on local groups and services. Several families have successfully transitioned into further opportunities, such as joining the **Connect Course** , building on progress made at Little Starters. ## **Impact on Families:** 8 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Working in partnership ## **Working with The Henry Smith Charity Support service for families with children with autism** - The Henry Smith funded Connect Project has continued to provide vital support to families living with autism. – During 2024 2025, **46 families were supported** through a combination of family support, group activities, volunteer input, and structured courses. This reflects a **significant increase from 19 families in 2023–2024** , showing strong growth in demand and engagement. ## **Key Achievements** **Confidence in accessing services and engaging in group activities** . The growth in uptake demonstrates both the relevance of the programme and the trust families place in the support provided. ## **– Case Study “Maria and Daniel” (pseudonyms)** **Maria, a single parent, was referred to the Henry Smith Connect Project a�er struggling with her son Daniel’s recent autism diagnosis. Daniel, aged 7, was experiencing frequent meltdowns at school, leaving Maria feeling isolated and overwhelmed.** ## **Support Provided** - **Connect Course** : Maria attended the 6-week Connect course, which helped her learn strategies for understanding Daniel’s behaviours and managing routines at home. - **Connect Course Completion** : 28 families successfully completed the Connect course, more than doubling the previous year’s total of 14. - **Group and Volunteer Support** : 6 families engaged - - in group only support, while 3 received combined volunteer and group support. - **Group Support** : She joined a small parent support group, which gave her the opportunity to share experiences with other parents in similar situations. - **One-to-One Family Support** : Tailored family support was offered where needed, including 1 family supported solely by a volunteer and 1 with FSC (Family Support Coordinator) only. - **Volunteer Support** : A trained volunteer provided - - regular phone check ins, offering reassurance and - - signposting Maria to local autism friendly activities. ## **Outcomes** **Holistic Approach** : Families o�en accessed more than one form of support, reflecting the flexible and responsive model of delivery. - Maria reported feeling **more confident in managing Daniel’s behaviour** , with fewer crises at home. ## **Impact on Families** - She built a **peer support network** , reducing her sense of isolation. Outcome tracking shows that families benefitting from the Connect programme reported improvements in: Daniel benefited from a calmer home environment and improved school attendance. - Coping with their child’s emotional and physical health needs. This case reflects the wider outcomes evidenced in the project statistics: families not only gain practical tools but also experience improved wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness - Managing isolation and improving parental selfesteem. 9 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Working in partnership ## **Working with The Henry Smith Charity Covid Response Fund** This year we delivered four Family Links Nurturing Programmes in Slough and East Berkshire with the – Support Arifa Naeem a Family Links practitioner: 3 programmes for mothers and 1 programme for fathers. In total, 56 parents directly benefited (48 mothers and 8 fathers), with courses delivered in English, Urdu, and Punjabi. This bilingual approach reduced barriers for families with limited English, ensuring inclusivity and stronger cultural connection. ## **Programme Aims & Outcomes** The Family Links Nurturing Programme helps parents build emotional literacy, strengthen positive discipline, – and improve parent child relationships. 92% of participants reported a better understanding of emotional needs, boundaries, and positive parenting. Parents described calmer home routines, more open communication, and increased confidence supporting their children’s learning. ## **Outcomes included:** - Improved parent–child communication - Better emotional regulation in parents - Increased confidence in setting boundaries - Stronger home–school engagement - Greater participation by fathers ## **One mother shared:** **“The nurturing course changed how I see my children’s behaviour – I now respond, not react.”** ## **Mothers’ Groups** Mothers valued the safe, supportive environment where they could speak openly in their own language. Many described feeling less isolated and more empowered to engage in school life and daily routines. ## **Feedback highlights:** **“This course helped me connect with my children without shouting.”** **“I felt comfortable because it was in my own language. I understood everything.”** **“Being in a group with other mums who speak my language made me feel less alone.”** ## **Fathers’ Group** We ran a dedicated fathers’ group. Eight fathers participated, continuing to mark a milestone in engaging dads from ethnic minority communities. Sessions - offered a culturally sensitive, male only space to reflect, share experiences, and explore positive parenting. ## **Fathers reported:** Stronger relationships with their children, especially - teenagers, greater self awareness and control of anger, use of positive discipline instead of shouting or physical punishment and confidence in their role as fathers ## **One father shared:** **“I used to think parenting was my wife’s job. Now I realise how much my involvement matters.”** ## **Looking Ahead** The Family Links Nurturing Programme continues to transform families’ lives by fostering emotional – resilience, stronger parent child bonds, and community connection. With growing demand, we aim to expand our work with both mothers and fathers, ensuring more families can access support in a language and setting that feels right for them. We are happy to share that #oneslough has funded two courses for 2025/2026. 10 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** Working in partnership ## **Working with The National Lottery** In 2024–2025 we proudly delivered the **first year** of our National Lottery Community Fund project. This vital funding enabled us to reach families through both **group sessions and home visiting support** , ensuring parents had safe, welcoming spaces to connect, learn, and grow in confidence. ## _**confidence to try new approaches at home.”**_ ## **The Power of Home Visiting** Alongside groups, **volunteers supported 69 families at home** , giving encouragement, guidance, and friendship. Outcomes were overwhelmingly positive: ## **Our Reach** - **130 families engaged** - **90%** of parents improved their involvement in children’s learning - **225 attendances** recorded across _Baby & Me_ , _Cra� & Nurture_ , and other family groups - **97%** coped better with mental health challenges - **69 families supported at home** by trained volunteers - **100%** reported improvements in supporting their child’s emotional wellbeing These numbers reflect more than statistics – they represent parents who found a place to belong, children who thrived with stronger routines and support, and volunteers who gave their time and compassion to make a lasting difference. ## **A volunteer reflected:** _**“Sometimes all a parent needs is someone to listen and believe in them. I’ve seen mums who felt completely overwhelmed grow in confidence week by week. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them.”**_ ## **What Families Told Us** Parents consistently reported that they felt **less isolated, more confident, and better able to manage the ups and downs of family life** . Key outcomes included: ## **Stories of Change** - **A new mum** struggling with anxiety said she felt **“like a weight had been li�ed”** a�er joining _Baby & Me_ . With encouragement from her group, she started to attend local toddler sessions and now has a supportive friendship network. - - **87–96%** of parents said they were **more involved in their children’s learning** - **96–98%** felt better able to cope with their own **mental health** - **A dad of two young children** joined a cra� and nurture group a�er being referred for stress. He described how making time for creativity helped him to **“slow down, think, and connect better with my kids.”** - - **88–93%** reported improvements in **self-esteem** - **88–95%** felt **less isolated** - **100%** said they were more aware and able to make use of local **services** - **A volunteer’s perspective** : One of our longestserving volunteers described the Lottery project as _**“a lifeline for families, but also for us as volunteers – we learn, we grow, and we feel part of something bigger.”**_ ## **One mum told us:** _**“Before I joined Baby & Me, I didn’t know anyone in my area. Now I have friends I can call, and I feel I’m doing better for my baby. It gave me hope at a time I felt really alone.”**_ ## **Why This Matters** The first year of Lottery funding has helped us build **stronger, healthier families and communities** . By reducing isolation, improving wellbeing, and strengthening parenting skills, we are giving children the best possible start in life and ## **Another parent shared:** _**“I’ve learnt to manage my stress and not pass it onto my children. The group has given me tools and the**_ 11 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** Family Wellness ## **Working with Public Health Slough Supporting healthy family lives** The Family Wellness Project helps families at risk of unhealthy lifestyles to make small but lasting changes around food, exercise, and family wellbeing. Working in the wards with the highest rates of childhood obesity - Our team completed specialist **HENRY healthy families training** , strengthening the quality of our support. - and the Britwell Health & Wellbeing Hub every month to reach families directly. ## **- Outcomes whilst supported by Home Start Family Wellness project** ## **Outcomes for Families** – Nutrition and Healthy eating emotional support and practical ideas for healthy food ideas for the family (group sessions & volunteer) • Child mental and physical health - emotional and practical support & tips at home. Ideas to keep child moving to improve muscle tone and muscle memory. Encouragement to make healthy food – swaps (group and volunteer) sugar swaps made and sustained! Child more active. Family getting out more. Child eating new healthy foods. • General family wellness – family accessed useful websites and apps (group and volunteer) • Parent mental and physical health - some time out for parent to take short breaks from the busy mix of work and being a parent – (volunteer) improved parental mental health. “This experience has been invaluable” ## **Parents told us they have:** - Learned to understand food labels and portion sizes - Found family-friendly recipes and planned meals on a budget - Sat and eaten with their children more o�en, becoming positive role models - Managed fussy eating with new strategies and consistency ## **Children have:** - Tried new foods and enjoyed hands-on cooking - Felt more encouraged and confident around food - Taken part in fun, interactive activities alongside their parents ## **We provided:** - One-to-one volunteer support in family homes ## **Family Voices** - Group activities such as **Cook & Move** sessions and fussy eating workshops - _“Creative ideas like using apple in lamb burgers. Great info on sugar intake. The children loved making their own items and eating them.”_ - Links to local services and community hubs ## **What We Achieved in 2024–2025** - _“I am eating more healthily. My son is happy with the healthier food changes and feels involved.”_ - **57 families** were referred for support across the year. - _“Whenever I come here I feel relaxed. The activities are fun, and I’ve got new snack ideas for home.”_ - **18 families** joined our **Cook & Move sessions** in Britwell and Foxborough, learning to prepare healthier meals together. - _“It’s an amazing service – please make more courses like this.”_ - We created a dedicated **Family Wellness webpage** , refreshed posters and leaflets, and connected with GP surgeries, schools, and Family Hubs to boost awareness. 12 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Windsor Army Families ## **Elevating Partners Supporting Army Families at Broom Farm** The **Elevating Partners Project** continues to empower the partners and families of serving Army members living at Broom Farm Estate, Windsor. Through a blend of group sessions, workshops, and one-to-one volunteer support, we’ve helped families build confidence, develop new skills, and strengthen their community connections. ## **Activities and Achievements** ## **Weekly Chill and Skill Group** Regular sessions provided a safe, welcoming space for parents to connect while their children enjoyed play and learn activities designed to support early development. ## **Childcare Information Session** Delivered in partnership with **Achieving for Children’s Family Information Service (RBWM)** , this session guided parents through local childcare options and pathways into careers in childcare. ## **Family Sunday Fun Day** Hosted on the Broom Farm Estate, families enjoyed - creative and sports activities, met Home Start staff, and received framed professional family and pet portraits. ## **Education Sector Workshop** Working with colleagues from RBWM, we introduced parents to opportunities in education, helping them understand qualification routes and career options. ## **Dream Building Sessions** Launched in September with a former Army wife and career coach, these sessions helped parents explore business ideas and career goals. Participants developed confidence and focus, with one-to-one coaching continuing into early 2025. ## **Addressing Challenges and Increasing Engagement** We recognised the challenges of engagement within a close-knit military community and took proactive steps to reach families, including: - Expanding publicity via Facebook, the Windsor Wives group, and Army contacts. Producing large banners and redesigned flyers. - - Working with **Alexander First School** and **Army Welfare Service contacts** to promote activities. - - sessions. - - Hosting a **Christmas Fayre** to showcase family-run small businesses. Going forward, we plan to: - **online workshops** to reach more Army family - communities. - Design activities guided by participant **polls and surveys** . - Move the **Dream Building** sessions online for wider accessibility. - Adapt **Chill and Skill** into monthly, needs-led workshops. ## **Stories of Change** One parent shared how having childcare available during sessions allowed her to finally reflect on her own - goals a�er recovering from illness, boosting her self esteem. Another, balancing new family responsibilities, joined to focus on rebuilding her confidence and setting personal goals. A third, for whom English is not a first language, found support to develop her CV and confidence, helping her take the next steps in her career journey. ## **Family Feedback** **– “We really can’t thank you enough my daughter had such an amazing time.”** **– “Today was so lovely I’d love to see more family events like this.”** **but please keep doing it – the farm and activities** 13 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## Women’s Allotment Project ## **Growing for Families** Our allotment continued to flourish in 2025, bringing together families, volunteers, and staff around the shared joy of growing, cooking, and eating fresh food. Each week, freshly picked fruit and vegetables from the allotment were delivered to our **Little Starters group in Slough** , giving families the chance to explore new tastes and talk about healthy eating. **produce in their everyday cooking** . Many spoke about wanting to **share what they had learned at home** , encouraging their children to eat more fruit and vegetables and even try growing their own. When the weather turned colder, we kept the community spirit alive with **winter cra� sessions** , welcoming volunteers, parents, and children indoors for creative, seasonal activities. Our growing this year also focused on **culturally suitable vegetables** , ensuring the produce reflected the foods and flavours familiar to our families. Although we were unable to expand the project further, the allotment has given so much to those who took part — from fresh food to friendship and a sense of belonging. **As we prepare to hand back the plot in December 2025** , we do so with gratitude for everything it has grown, both in the soil and in our community. Our **project lead** inspired parents and children with hands-on cooking demonstrations, showing how to make **hidden vegetable sauces** that were both - nutritious and family friendly. Everyone had the chance to taste the sauces on pasta at group sessions and take home ideas for how to recreate them. Over the growing season, **six parents and their children** were regularly supported through the project. Together, they nurtured plants, shared meals, and built new friendships. By the end of the season, parents told us they felt **less isolated, more connected to their community** , and proud to be using **more fresh** 14 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** Looking forward ## **Our future is bright** Home-Start Berkshire East is committed to being there for parents when they need us, because childhood can’t wait. We want to ensure that no child’s future is limited due to issues experienced in the early years of their life. 15 **- Home Start Berkshire East** Our Supporters in Pictures 16 **- Home Start Berkshire East** Feeling the love 17 **- Home Start Slough** Sharing the love _**- “Being a Home Start volunteer has given me purpose and connection. Knowing I can make a difference, even in small ways, is incredibly rewarding.”**_ _**“I’ve gained just as much as the families I support. Volunteering has built my confidence and given me lifelong friendships.”**_ _**“Sometimes it’s simply being there to listen that makes the biggest impact. Families really value having someone who cares.”**_ _**- “Home Start feels like a family. We support each other as volunteers just as much as we support the families.”**_ _**“I never imagined how much joy volunteering would bring me. Seeing families grow stronger together is so inspiring.”**_ _**“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the resilience of parents. I’m proud to walk alongside them in their journey.”**_ _**- “The training and support from Home Start has been fantastic. I feel valued, prepared, and part of something important.”**_ _**— “What I love most is that even the smallest gesture a chat, a smile, a cup — of tea can make such a difference to a family’s day.”**_ _**“I’ve learned new skills, met wonderful people, and felt truly appreciated. - - Home Start has been life changing for me.”**_ _**— “It’s not about fixing problems it’s about standing beside families and giving them the space to thrive.”**_ _**“Being welcomed into a family’s home is a privilege. The trust we build is at the heart of volunteering.”**_ 18 ## **- Home Start Slough** Sharing the love _**- “Having a Home Start volunteer felt like having someone truly in my corner**_ **–** _**when everything felt overwhelming.”**_ **Parent, Windsor** _**“The groups have been amazing for my baby’s development and for me as a**_ **–** _**mum. I’ve made friends I never would have met otherwise.”**_ **Parent, Maidenhead** _**- “Before Home Start, I felt very alone. Now I feel supported and understood,**_ **–** _**which makes all the difference.”**_ **Parent, Slough** _**“The kindness and encouragement from my volunteer gave me strength to**_ **–** _**believe in myself as a parent.”**_ **Parent, Maidenhead** _**“The support came at just the right time. I don’t know how we would have -**_ **–** _**managed without Home Start.”**_ **Parent, Windsor** **–** _**shoulders.”**_ **Parent, Slough** _**“My child has grown in confidence since joining the group. It’s been a life-**_ **–** _**line for us both.”**_ **Parent, Windsor** _**- – “Home Start helped me see I wasn’t failing as a parent I just needed a bit**_ **–** _**of support.”**_ **Parent, Slough** _**“The practical help was amazing, but what meant the most was knowing I**_ **–** _**wasn’t on my own.”**_ **Parent, Maidenhead** _**“I’ve seen such a positive change in my family. We feel stronger and more**_ **–** _**connected.”**_ **Parent, Slough** _**– – “It’s the little things a friendly face, a reassuring word that make the**_ **–** _**biggest difference.”**_ **Parent, Windsor** _**- “Home Start has been a safe place for us, somewhere we can grow together**_ **–** _**as a family.”**_ **Parent, Maidenhead** 19 ## **- Home Start Berkshire East** ## A huge ‘thank you’! ## **OUR SINCERE THANKS GO TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED US THIS YEAR** ## **Our fantastic volunteers:** _**Anita, Ann, Annie, Belinda, Charlie, Diana, Ekta, Filomena, Helen, Illhaam, Jane, Jeanette, Joanne, Katazyna, Kirsty, Laura, Lisa, Liz, Lydia, Maria, Nasiv, Navneet, Nicky, Rupali, Ruth, Sally, Sarah, Shelley, Siobhan, Sue Mc, Sue P, Suman, Syeda, Tessa, Tracey, Uzma, Varsha**_ ## **Our amazing Management Board:** _**David, Fiona, Helen, Janice, Karen, Kiran, Lesley, Rachel**_ ## **- And to everyone who has supported Home Start Berkshire East in the past year, either financially or with donations of services, time or gifts** Arjun Gopal Ascot Fire Brigade Trust Baby Bank BBC Children in Need Berkshire Community Foundation Bonnie Emmanuel Britwell Health and Wellbeing HUB Caldicott School Children Centres/Family HUBS Circus Starr Claire Abery Deepa Rangarajan Dorothy Milne Easy Fundraising Freemasons (Neil Murphy) GoodGym Slough Groundwork Garfield Weston Hannah Frame Home-Start UK Jacqui Shadrache Jeanette Talbot John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership Kirsty Northam Lapland UK Liz Jones Louise Brooks—Parenting Success Martin Gatehouse MCS Foundation Norden Farm Rob Deeks Prince Philip Trust Roly Richardson (Magician) Segro Slough Borough Council Slough CVS #Oneslough Slough Public Health St. John the Baptist and St. Michael Manor Park Susan Brown Tesco Burnham Tesco Taplow (Petra) Tesco Slough The Henry Smith Charity The Link Foundation The National Lottery Tony Alexander Tony & Shelagh Williams Charitable Foundation United Reform Church – Burnham Victoria Kitcatt William Baker Ziggy’s Music Live Jeannet & Debbie 20 Homt-start Berkshlre East (a company Ilmlted by guarantee) Trustees Report and Accounts Forthe year ended 31 M arch 2026 Company reglstratlon number: 09063378 Charity registrntion number. 1162003 Home-start Be￿$hIre East Cont•nts Pagg Report c(Ihe trustees Indepe￿ent exardney's report Slalemenl of flnancl81 aCt￿lI1e8 Balan¢8 sh8el Notes lo the accourls Hom e-start Berkshire East Report of the trustees (inco rp orating the directors report) Forthe perlod ended 31 March 2020 The trustees present their rewrt and the accounts for the year 31 March 2025 vthich a180 comprlses the Dirg¢lors' Report reguired by the Companies Act 201 & Objedives and activities The principal objective of the charity ￿ to pr(￿ide volurrtary support. friendship and practic a hdp lo fanllies th pre-school children in their owi homes. ACh￿B￿nIS ald perfO[n￿￿O Home-Sl8rt Berkshke Easl has been suwortlno local familles going through a difllcLII Ilme since 1936 as a local charity. Th8 ￿t¢e$S (( Home-slart is depe￿￿nI on dependable staff and volurt8ers anrj on both counts Ihls is the case. Vve are very grateful lo have such dedicated ￿￿rkerS and volunteers. FIn￿￿la1 revlew Th9 unrestr￿ted funds reprgsent the free reseNes bthlch are requlrfjd for ongoing worklno caprtal anrj also the funding requlred for corlraclual oblgatlons lo staff, In¢l￿1n9 any ￿t￿lIa1 penslon fund deficm. ReStr￿ted funds are funds which are lo be used in accordance v¥tth spgclflc restricllons Imposed by doTh)rs or vknich hwe been raised ty the c harlty for partlcul* wrpos8S. Golnu concern Th8 Iiustges hwe assessed the charlty's abllity lo conllnue as a golro concern. The trustees have consl(J&8d sweral factors when formng Ihelr conclusion as lo whethèr the usè of th8 golng concern ba4s is sppropriale when preparing these flnancial stalemenls, including.. a revlw of updated forecasts lo 31 st March 2025.. a cons￿8ratIon of key risks In¢lurJno Increasino nflalion, cosl OT Ilving crl4s. fundlno ¢halkng8s snd the rise in demand for our seNiceg basèd on post pandemit impact that could imp&1 the charity Icoelher vAlh latest avalable manaoemnt information. Ovgr the ygars, wg have buitt a f18xible cost base. with Ihg ablity lo r8duc9 our opgraling costs lo o Income antj h*e reseNes aioned lo our policy, IIErefore the trustees we confldenl Ih&t V¥P have adequate fle% ibility and plans lo adapt lo Ch￿QIng circ umstanc 8s and as such consder tha l( is appropriate for the flnancia statements lo be prepared using a gdno concgrn ba4s. Paoe 1 Hom e-start Bérkshlre East Report of the trustees linco porating the directors report) Forthe period ended 31 March 2025 structur& g0vWn￿C8 and manauement Legal anrj arknwnAsliaide slalu6 The oroanisation. Incorporated on 27 April 2015, is a Cl￿rItable corn)ary limited by GLBrarl8e. wtth no share caprtal and registered as a c harlty v¥tth H M R￿enue & Customs. The comparry was eslablished unrjer a M emoranrjum of AssoCiat￿n thic h established the Dth'ecls and pcwers of the charitable Company and Is governed under ilsArllc of Asso¢Salon. The Organisah)n commenced ac111v￿g In Auowst 2015. Corrthulng the aclfvmles of th& unlncoprovaled charrty FknrrE-Slart Berkshire East Ichartty reglstrallon number 1054713). Organisglicnal structur9 The company is manaogcj bi a boartj of directors w￿se tThtrt)ers are elected and co-opted In acc ordanc 8 th the Artlcles of Association. R￿k The board of dlr&clors has conduct￿ Ils ow) rev￿￿ of the major rlsks lo wNch the Company19 exposed. In particulw, those related lo the operations and finances of the company, satlsfled that wslems are in placg lo mrtioale those risks. The procedures are perlodicallt r￿le￿[l 10 8nsur8 Ihal they still meet the needs oflh& company. Trust998 ald dlreclots By operation of law 311, trustees are dlreclors under the Ccmpanles A¢1 ￿06 all dkgclors are trustees under Charrti&s leolslation and hwe responsibilllies, as such, under both Compary anrj charrty leglslalion. Those seNed during the Ferlod and up lo the dale 0fth￿ report are as follov¥E. D Askwell P Dhool L M￿h8811$ Koln H Nickles$ F Varty R Hedggs N Murlldhar Appohled g January 2025 Page 2 Home-start 8erkshire East Report Of the trustees (incorporating the directors report) Forthe period ended 31 March 2025 Sta￿8n1 of Iruslee< d￿e￿OrS tesponsl)ililies The charrty trustees, are also Ihg dir8clors Df the company under ¢oryany Liw. arp responsitde for preparino the Repcrt OT the Iruslees and the accounts ￿ accordance with applicable law antj Unrted Klngdom Accounting Standards (Unrted lfj'ngdom Generalty Accepted Accounting Praclicel. Corry8ny and ch8rlty law requires the char￿Y trustees lo wepare accounts for each year vthich gfve a true anrj fair vigw of Ihg state of affaws of the Charilabb corrpany and of the iwomino resources and application of Yegources, Including the Income and eN pendllure, of the ¢haYtty for that peylod. In ¥eparlng the accouNt8, the Irustges arg requirerj lo.. select sullable accowling polic les and then appw them conslstenlly., m*e iudoemenls ancj 9slimales that are reasonable ancj prudgnl., states wkÉlherwhelheY the a¢tourrts comply W¥ilh the trust deed the retommendsllons of the SO RP FRS 102 have been follNed. subigcl lo any material departures di8clos8d and &(plained In the a¢ccourrts,' #ate wthglh9r appllcab19 UK accounting standards have been follrJNed. subjgcl lo any malerlal departurès disclosed and &(plaln8d In the financ ￿1 stalemenls., pl8￿re th8 flnancial slalemenls on the going concern basis unkss rt Is Inapproprlate lo presume that the charity will ¢onlinu8 in bJ￿ne$S. The trustees are respon4ble for k?gplng proper accounlng records that disclose with reasonabl8 accuracy at ary lime the financia posttion of th8 charlty and lo enabb Ih8m lo ensure that Ihg ac counts comply wmh the Comparleg Act 2006 and the Charttles Act 2011. They are also responslble foy safeguardlng the assets of Ihg ch¥lty anrj hence taking reasonable sleps for the pr6venlion anrj d818clion of fraud and other regularill&s. The trustees are respondble for Ihe malrlgnance and Inlegrtty of the ¢orEoralg and fin?n¢ lal Informatlon on the charllable company's websme. Informatlon a)out Indek￿dent aalon The charws acllvil18s fall wrthin the ￿eMptIonS afTord8d by the pr￿laOnS of the Income anrj Corpor&tion Tax8s Act 2010. AccOrdiw￿, Ih8r8 Is no la(alion Charge inlhese accourrts. 18 Wndlng up or dl880#Alon of the dlailty If upon wnding up or rJEsolullon of th8 ch¥lty there remaln ary assets, aftw the satlsfadion of all detls and Ilabilmies, ass&ls representéd by the xcumulaled fund shall be transferred lo sotre oth8Y ck4rKable tody or bool'es hwing slmilar thloctslo the charity Paoe g Home6tart Berkshire East Notes ts the ac¢ounts For thè year endéd 31 Mareh 2025 2 kn(¥Jme from charilable aclr¥ilies lJnrutri¢t•l fuTh Re*icted 2025 Total 2024 T(* Public Health Berkshire CorrmLrity Foundation Brooks Trust Armed F Nc Gel Berkshke Aclfve Henry 8mrth The Nallonal Lollery CoMmu￿ty Fund Comic Rc4ief BBC Chldr8n in N88d G8rfEld Vveston 50.000 23.000 50,000 23.000 24,662 12,936 13,000 14.958 4,412 46.400 16,690 9,167 35.351 5.000 25.648 25.648 68.500 22,455 964 33.374 20.000 68,500 22,455 964 33.374 20,000 243.941 243 941 182576 3 knt•me from olhgr ￿1￿11188 Re*lctsd 2026 Totol 2024 TL* Famlty FrIer￿S 19,025 19,025 15,980 19 025 On 1 st Nov8mb8r 2023 Famlty Frlends Vvhdsor & Maidenhgad vAlh Homg-slart Slough uncler the c cmtlned name of Home-8lart 8erkslre East. Al the encj of th8 previous financlal year £19,025 fuThJ8 were deferred and recognised in this fI￿ar￿la1 year. 4 Nd In￿mInu￿Outgo1ny) reswtces forlhe year 2026 2024 Net Inc omlnglloutgolnol reswrc&s Is staled algr charghg.. IntJepentJ8nl exa￿nerS fee 150 100 Pag9 10 Homéstart Bérkshlre East Notes to th• accounts For th• y•ar •nd•d 31 March 2025 5 Emp1w￿S 202S 2•24 EmplomMrt costs Vaoes anrj sal¥ies Social securtty costs Pension costs 190, 324 25, 763 20,817 136,016 21,962 14,715 236 904 172693 No employe8 re¢9￿ed 8molum8nls c( mcre than £60, CQO in the current or pr￿lOuS ygar. Nurt*r of onployegs The weraoe numbers (( emplrtyees (gxcluding Iruste8sI was 11 (2024.. 111 calculated on the basls of full Ilme equiyaknls. 6 TNstee8 ranunerntlon expenses The Trustees nellher rec?￿ed or Wa￿ed ary emolLm&)Is durlng the year. Trustees did not tlaim Èxpenses rel&tlng lo aCt￿lI1e8 other than those relallw lo Ihelr dull&s 53 a Irusle8, b8lno for furthgrance of charitable obFcl￿e$. 7 T￿llIble fl￿d as88ls EWpfft>rt Tot Cost Brought foDKdrd 2,142 D4)r￿latIOn Brought fonwdrd Charoe for ￿rICHI 2,142 2,142 Nd bookvalue As al 31 M arc h 2025 As al 31 M arc h 2024 pa￿ 11 Homestart 8erkshire East Notes tè thé accounts For thè year endèd 31 Mareh 2025 8 D￿1￿5 and ￿£rue￿ incon 2025 2124 Other (kbtors 9 Credilor& anountsfaling due within 1 year 2025 2124 Payroll18xes and soclal secLrlty Pension costs Other credllorg and accruals Deferr8d h¢ome 2,510 1,724 10,141 54, 864 100 44,922 69 239 45 022 10 Anaysls of n* as8Dt8 of th8 charlty Unre•trfdrAI furd• Re*l¢ted Jnd• 2026 Tot 2124 Fund bal3wes at 31 March 2025 as r8presgnl8d by". Tangiblo flxgd ass61s Current assets Current I'abi1118S 114.828 134.375) 41,864 134,8641 156, 692 169, 2391 134,983 (45,02 80 453 87 453 89 961 11 Unredrlcted funds Op￿1[￿j kncorrirw* Oulgoir¥J 2125 Oenera unrgslrlcled funds 81.603 141308 80 453 Pa￿ 12 Home6tart Berkshire East Notes to the accounts For thè year ended 31 Mareh 21Y25 12 A￿ricted f￿1￿5 Opening IncorThrw¥ Oulgoirys 2025 Children in Nged Henry Smlh Public Health GarfEld INeston The National Lollery Corrmunity Fund IN(rte 13) Comic Rdief Armed F c*c eg Family FrIer￿S 33,374 68,500 50,000 20,000 133,3741 161,5001 150,0001 120,0001 7.000 8,358 22,455 964 25,648 19,025 130,8131 19641 125,64BI 119,0251 262,966 1264,324 7.000 Chlldren In Need This project wlll support chllrjren from low incomg familles exper￿nCIng Pa￿ health in Slough. Children wlll d8¥8lop a heamhier Ifestyle. improve family relalionshlps snd have greater confidence. H￿rySMIth Thls project pr(wld8s a 8￿cIalIst, bespok& support seNice lo familles wllh chlldrgn wlh Aullsm. Slough has abuve average number of aulistlc ¢hiltJren and the prokcl arns lo rerjuce the long term pwrt cos18 by providlng help and support lo the parents in thè èarly yearg of diagnos18. H￿rySMIth Cobld RBcTr*e This project has enabled us lo a(pand our tapac ly lo desl V¥ilh a posl COVID Inc rease in demand for our seNlces We pr￿Ide an addttional family support oroLP and work V¥ilh local mosques lo dellver & parenting c ourse in attendees. natk& languages lo offer suppcrt lo parerts who have had Imlle support rjuring th9 pandemic, Publlc Health This project has enablgs us lo rjelher a famity V¥plh8ss prclecl lo f￿lieS wllh young children Ir*lno In th& most deprivéd &reas In Slough. Taking a hollslic approach we provlth a beswke pttkage of gJmort lo Irrpr￿8 thysical health laibrerj lo each famllies particuLgr n88ds. Garfleld Weston This project supports the Inlegratlon of Famlly Frlends into our ￿traI operation and enables us lo eMp￿d OLY s8￿1¢es in INindsor anrj Maidenhearj. The Nalona LrAteryCoTrThinliy Fw)d This projgcl is a joint project wrth Horn-slart Readng and Bracknell ¥¥ilh the key object￿? of IMpr￿in0 mental heaLh thr￿Q￿Ul the vthole family. Through a number of olfferenl inleNenllons e.g. groups, courses and thme vi811ing the support package 18 lalored lo proviL* the best possitle outcome for the beneficiary. PaTr 13 Homestart Berkshire East Notes to thè aecounts For the yearénded 31 Mareh 2025 12 Regtrlctedfunds (contlnu&Jl Arm￿ F 0[￿$ This project gnabks us lo provide tailored support. build S9￿-cOnfIdence and promote the skills of partners of seNino personnel antj reseNisls. This Is with the aim of imprcvino communrty cohesion and mlnimislng the effect of se￿￿e life on Partner's careers. Family Friends Thls fwdlng enables us lo pr￿Ide home-vlslhg ￿p￿)rt lo fam11￿8 wllh young c flldren In Vvlndsor ar￿ M aid9n￿￿ad Our specially Irangd volunlgers supported by OLY Farrily sumort Co-ordinators vistts th& famly on a weekly basislo support Emollona and physkal needs lo improve outcomesfor chilrjren. 13 The Namjnal LotteryCon¥nunityFund Thls Nallcnal Lottery Communlty Fund was provlded Ihroujh a consortium of Br*knell Rearjing and SI￿gh Home-slarts lo represent the Thames vaiey region. Home-slart B8rk8ire Easl was the lead fN the consortlum consolidalgd Ihg reporting and distrlbJled the fundlro ￿ beham crf th8 group. 8eknw are the details of th8 Tham&sValley region as a whole.. Op￿Ing In¢othr￿• Ouloolro• 2126 8ra¢knel Reading Berkshtre East 11,709 11.345 8,358 1 B,959 1 B,835 22,455 (27, 9241 (31,7541 {30, B13) 2,744 (1,574) 90 491 14 Char#able conwary IlnIl￿1 by guar￿t8p Hom&Slart Berkshire East is a compary I'mitgd by guaranlge contrdlgd ty ils memb8r$ and accordinoty does not have a share caylal. Ev8ry of the company unL*rtakes lo conlribul8 such amount as may be required not exceerjing £110 the assets of the charilab￿ corrpany in the event of rts beino wound up Vvhile or She is a member. or wllhln one year after he or she cea8e8 to be a member. Thg ch¥ty was formalty registered wtth the Charity Commissioners in 2015 under charity reoistgred nunter 116￿03 (and formerty under Lnlncorporaed charlty reglslererj nLmbEf 1054713). Thg registered office of the ¢tr￿rity for Companies Act purposes is 111 High Street. Burnham, Bucks SL1 IJZ. Page 14 ME STIRT Berkshire East