I first became involved with Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire when I worked as an Under-Fives Adviser for Oxfordshire County Council, and was invited to join the management committee, which later became the Board of Trustees. I was aware at that time of the high regard that social workers had for the support that Home-Start could give to families with young children. 

 My time as a trustee has been varied, interesting and enjoyable, with many opportunities to learn about Home-Start’s work and about trustees’ duties. Currently I am the vice-chair, and responsibilities include keeping policies up-to-date and ensuring we are prepared for Quality Assurance reviews.

 I’m pleased to work with a very committed team of staff and trustees, and to be part of an organisation dedicated to giving children a good start in life, involving volunteers so effectively.

Home-Start’s mission to support families is something I feel very passionate about. Having moved to a number of new places and countries while raising young children, I understand first-hand how valuable a strong support network can be. The early years of parenthood bring many joys but also a host of challenges, and having someone to turn to for advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear can make a huge difference.

Alongside these personal experiences, I bring professional expertise from senior leadership roles in business, with a particular focus on finance and organisational growth. As Treasurer, I am committed to helping Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire maintain strong financial foundations so that it can continue providing vital support to families across our community for years to come.

Being a trustee is my way of giving back to my local community. No matter how busy we are, there is always something we can do! I’ve been amazed at the wide variety of skills I’ve used and what I’ve learnt too. The safeguarding training provided is very informative and really reinforced in me the need, and impact, of early intervention and family support.

I am a parent of three grown up children. My whole working life I have worked to support families, starting out working in a children’s home, through to qualifying as a Social Worker and enjoying a career spanning 40 plus years.

I am pleased now to be able to support Home-Start as a trustee and support them with safeguarding.

I enjoy exploring new places, going on holiday and spending time with my family.

I became a trustee in 2023 after being indirectly involved through my mum for several years. Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire is an amazing charity and being a trustee is a way for me to support its good work.

I work full-time as a primary school teacher with prior experience in adult mental health support, but I have also been a Rainbow and Brownie leader for more than 20 years.

I am the trustee responsible for safeguarding in relation to both adults and children.

I am passionate about children having the best start in life, which is why I became a Home-Start trustee and volunteer. I am a parent and grandparent who has spent a number of years working in a variety of roles within Oxfordshire Children’s Services. My career has given me considerable experience in understanding the needs of the most vulnerable children and their families. I am passionate about ensuring plans and decisions made about children are effective, and put the child at the centre to make sure their best interest is always promoted. I am excited to be working with an organisation which has a very committed team of staff, trustees and volunteers.

I am delighted to be a trustee for Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire. I strongly believe in the power of community and appreciate the huge help that Home-Start volunteers bring to families every week.  

I have teenage twin daughters and when they were young I really did not know how to cope. Like many people I found a way but it was a struggle and at times I felt very vulnerable. I know Home-Start would have been a great support to me at that time.

Since the start of my working life – managing a housing estate in London – I have always tried to make that extra difference in the way I support others. These early experiences helped me appreciate that it is local people who were most likely to achieve real change in and for local communities. I have been a champion of volunteers and community support since then, working ceaselessly in all areas of my life to secure better public services in communities across the United Kingdom.

I recognise the breadth and depth of experience across the staff and trustees and look forward to working with them for the benefit of families in the southern area of Oxfordshire.