Laura Fozard, a volunteer at Home-Start East Lothian, has won the Volunteer Development Award in the charity’s national awards.
At a gala awards dinner hosted by the charity’s national ambassadors, Kirstie Allsopp and Alastair Stewart, Laura was presented with a glass trophy and a certificate signed by the charity’s royal patron, HRH Princess Alexandra. The dinner took place at the charity’s national convention in Nottingham, on Monday 21 March.
Laura is one of the 14,808 amazing home-visiting volunteers and 2,448 trustees who gave their time to Home-Start to support families across the UK this year. 38 volunteers and 12 trustees give their time in East Lothian and the surrounding area.
Laura was nominated for the award by staff at the East Lothian charity. Katy Pollock, manager of Home-Start East Lothian said, “Laura’s health visitor suggested she volunteer for Home-Start as she has excellent parenting skills. She is a lone parent with two adorable young children. She is registered as partially sighted, has a learning disability with reading and writing due to dyslexia and suffering from OCD and depression.
“The preparation course in September 2014 was initially scary. But, using adapted materials, Laura feels she learnt a lot of different skills which she uses with her own children as well as her Home-Start family.
“Laura understands mental health well and has supported her Home-Start mum who was feeling overwhelmed as a parent. The Home-Start experience has made Laura more assertive and able to manage her own life more confidently. Her own support worker and manager have both noticed a huge difference in Laura.
Laura said, “I don’t feel discriminated against at Home-Start. My time with the charity has been a fantastic journey. I may be different. I may be slower but I have the determination to do it.”
In a written message to all the winning volunteers, HRH Princess Alexandra said, “This occasion is a wonderful way to celebrate all that can be accomplished by working together with one common purpose – to help parents and children to cope and thrive as they face very difficult circumstances.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and, this evening, I extend my personal thanks to all Home-Start Volunteers for your compassion for families and children and for your gifts of time, energy and care.
“My special congratulations go to this year’s winners and runners up. Thank you for your selflessness and kindness and for the very great difference you make to families.”
Before the awards ceremony, Laura and the winners of the other Home-Start national volunteer award categories were treated to a pamper afternoon, courtesy of The White Rose School of Health and Beauty, and afternoon tea with Kirstie Allsopp.
from Shelagh Young, Home Start Director for Scotland
‘… if you don’t feel happy on watching the BBC coverage of the cup presentation at Hampden yesterday you might need a holiday.
Seeing our mascots Kyle and Archie up there handing out medals and shaking hands with the players and hearing them (and Home-Start) name checked by the BBC Scotland commentary team is marvellous. … you can see what it meant to our mascots Kyle and Archie. It was written all over their faces.'
'Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to making this happen. Please pass my thanks on to volunteers and others on your team and, of course, to the families who brought their children along and agreed to share their stories.’
from Lyndsey Clark, Progress Sponsorship and Communications
On Saturday 13th December we held our annual Christmas party for the families. We had 55 children and 60 adults who all enjoyed a lovely lunch before being entertained by Bambino Beats and Gordon the Magician. The children had a visit to Santa before leaving happy but tired. A big thank you to all the staff, trustees and volunteers who helped make this day so magical for everyone.
At the Pennypit Centre in Prestonpans
Home-Start East Lothian are having a second review day at the Pennypit Centre, in Prestonpans on Wednesday 1st October 9.30 – 12.30, followed by lunch and we have invited families, volunteers and partner agencies as well as staff and our Board of Trustees.
This is following on from the planning day in June, all suggestions and ideas that were discussed then will be focused on and the Board of Trustees will spend the afternoon on the 1st October putting an action plan together.
We really would like to see a wide range of key stakeholders take part.
If you wish to be a part of the day please contact the office on 01875 616 066
Home-Start East Lothian Planning Day
Home-Start East Lothian are having a planning day at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh on Monday 23rd June 9.30 – 4.30 (with lunch provided) and we have invited families, volunteers and partner agencies as well as staff and our Board of Trustees.
The day will focus on the future of Home-Start East Lothian and will be a sharing of ideas as to how the scheme should be developing over the coming years.Any suggestions or ideas that come from the day will be taken forward for discussion by the Board of Trustees.
We really would like to see a wide range of key stakeholders take part. If you wish to be a part of the day please contact the office on 01875 616 066
