It was a bitter-sweet day for Lotus Families on 18th March when they celebrated the end of their training course for volunteers with the Mayor of Battle Cllr Margaret Kiloh and Rother District Councillor Sally Ann Hart.
Seven volunteers have completed an accredited 8 week preparation course run by the Rother Co-ordinator, Marion Lucken. The course has prepared them to visit families with at least one child under five in their own homes once a week for a few hours. The help needed varies greatly and includes supporting the family to access local services such as mother and baby groups, support with children’s behavioural issues, being a listening ear to mothers with post-natal depression, providing practical help with twins, etc.
However, due to local government cuts, the service will reduce significantly from 1st April while the organisation tries to find alternative funding; if further funding is not secured, the organisation is at risk of closure leaving local families with no early intervention provision. Last year Home Start East Sussex supported 279 families with the help of 90 volunteers.