SUPPORTERS and funders gathered together to celebrate the work of a Cirencester-based charity this week.

Home-Start Cotswolds, a charity based at Cirencester Baptist Church, volunteers held a special event at the popular Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden café on Wednesday evening, February 28.

The charity provides support, friendship and practical help for families with young children across the district.

It trains volunteers to offer confidential, non-judgemental support to families in the home, as well as running free postnatal and maternal mental health groups across the Cotswolds.

Business owners, supporters, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Henry Robinson DL, Cirencester mayor Sabrina Dixon and Emma Corfield MBE DL enjoyed free drinks and canapes provided by Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden staff.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sabrina Dixon, Henry Robinson DL and Debbie HollandSabrina Dixon, Henry Robinson DL and Debbie Holland (Image: Home-Start Cotswolds)

Carla Partridge, chair of trustees, shared her own experiences of early parenthood and feelings of isolation with the group.

She explained how the charity helps families that are going through tough times, experiencing poor mental health, social isolation, anxiety, parenting difficulties or domestic abuse. 

Volunteer Debbie Holland also revealed how rewarding is it to see the positive impacts weekly visits has on a family first-hand.

Trustee Carolyn Ford said: ‘It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters and funders gathered together, and update them on our work.

"We support over 130 families a year and rely on fundraising and donations to fund our family support."