Home-Start Kennet has been supported by Devizes MP Danny Kruger, in their bid to raise awareness of their valuable local service.

The charity provides expert support in helping families with young children, who are under 5, through challenging times.

They offer compassionate support for families across Devizes, Marlborough, Tidworth, Calne, Chippenham and Pewsey, without judgement.

In 2020 many of Home-Start Kennet's usual routes to reach families - through parenting groups or conversations in schools - were cut off by the lockdown.

They are working to ensure that any families who might need them know about them, and that they can still access support in these turbulent times.

Devizes MP Danny Kruger recently coordinated a letter campaign, sending information about Home-Start Kennet and their posters and leaflets to churches, schools, parish councils, childcare providers and doctors’ surgeries throughout the constituency.

Joanne Kent of Home-Start Kennet said: “We really appreciate Danny’s help in raising our profile. Covid has impacted our home-visiting service but we are still very much here - giving emotional and practical support to young families who are experiencing difficult times. We can’t wait to return to supporting families in the home, but in the meantime, we offer ‘walk and talk’ support and phone support - and are launching an outdoor group soon!"

Mr Kruger added: “Home-Start Kennet have changed their ways of working over the past year, but their message remains the same. Where home support is currently not possible, due to social distancing rules, phone support and outdoor visiting, in line with government guidelines, has been put in place, and they have also launched a text service to make accessing help even easier.”

Families can contact Home-Start Kennet by texting FAMILY to 66777 or visiting www.home-start.org.uk/home-start-kennet