Herald - Issue 397

v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v 29th October 2020 • The HERALD • Page 5 MP Guttering & Roofing Services • Fascias, Guttering, Soffits, Cladding and much more PVCu work • All roof repairs, gutters, flat roofs, chimney repairs • Moss removal 15% Discount for OAP’s Established 30 years 07730 377114 023 8087 9135 mpgutteringservices@outlook.com DECORATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING General Small Maintenance Works Reliable, Prompt with a High Standard of Work Fully Insured • Free Estimates NICK CROUCHER 023 8084 8154 or 07594 582194 Local Volunteers Create Story Bags Local charity, Home-Start Hampshire, are celebrating a wonderful team of local volunteers who have been busy putting together story bags for families in the New Forest that are currently supported by Home- Start Hampshire. e story bags, which are all themed around an age appropriate popular story book, contain a book, characters from the story, a game or puzzle with a link to the story and a cra activity. e story bags and activities have been designed with education and fun in mind. e local community have really taken the project to their hearts; members of the Hythe Poppy Ladies have been knitting and crocheting characters and Waterside Women, a Facebook group that fundraises for local good causes, have purchased games and books to the value of £150 which was a huge boost to the project. Individuals have also contributed activity packs and non- ction books. For many of the families, the support they receive from Home-Start Hampshire and contact they have with their volunteer is a lifeline. Over the past six months, Home-Start Hampshire have continued to support families across the county, including in the New Forest, taking on new referrals and training new volunteers to ensure that they are able to continue to provide their services at a time when support and community spirit is arguably more important than ever before. Christine Galpin, Community Team Chair in the New Forest says: “Story bags contain exciting and stimulating resources that promote language skills and introduce young children to a memorable and enjoyable reading experience. Families and volunteers will greatly value the opportunities given in sharing a story bag with a young child. ” Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be tough. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life, but for some parents it’s a particular struggle and the uncertainty and additional challenges of recent months have made life even more challenging for some families. Home-Start Hampshire has a network of trained volunteers who provide friendly, non-judgemental support to parents facing di cult times, on a 1-1 basis, in a group setting or a combination of both. e support o ered by volunteers encourages parents to build con dence and family resilience, allowing them to give their children the best possible start in life. For more information get in touch www.home- starthampshire.org.uk Story bags