Be Richmond is shining a spotlight on a local charity that has quietly supported thousands of families across the borough for more than three decades.

Home-Start Richmond Kingston and Hounslow was founded in 1995 as part of the national Home-Start UK network in response to growing demand for practical and emotional support for parents with young children.

Since then, the organisation has supported more than 3,500 families and over 6,400 children across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow.

In Richmond, the charity works with families who have children under five and are experiencing challenging circumstances.

These can include parental isolation, mental health difficulties, financial pressure, disability, domestic abuse or simply a lack of support networks.

Through weekly home visits, walk-and-talk sessions and family groups, trained volunteers provide non-judgemental support tailored to each family's needs.

One Richmond parent described the charity as "an actual lifesaver" during a period of severe stress and mental health struggles.

Another parent, who became disabled after the birth of her second child, said the support helped her rebuild confidence and bond with her baby.

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She said: "Our volunteer completely enabled me to be the parent I wanted to be.

"It gave me the time and motivation to be present despite the challenges I was facing."

Be Richmond is encouraging residents and businesses to support the charity's work.

Eleanor Miller, Marketing and Communications Manager at Be Richmond and a former Home-Start family volunteer, said: "Home-Start RKH is exactly the kind of organisation that underpins our strong and resilient community.

"Their work supports families at a crucial stage in life, often before challenges escalate.

"As a Business Improvement District, we recognise that thriving town centres depend on thriving communities. We are proud to highlight the charity's impact and encourage our member businesses and local residents to get involved in whatever way they can."

Volunteers form the backbone of the charity's work, typically giving two to three hours a week after completing a six-week training programme.

Businesses can also support the organisation through fundraising, sponsorship and longer-term partnerships.

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Two Be Richmond member businesses, William Grant & Sons and Third Space, are already backing the charity, with employees running the London Marathon in 2026.

Both companies will match-fund their employees' fundraising totals.

The charity will also take part in its Champions for Children appeal from 2 to 16 June, when donations will be match funded.

Residents interested in volunteering or partnering with the charity can contact  Sarah Villegas at [email protected]

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