Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton volunteer receives award for 24 years '˜amazing' service

Lady Deborah Hayter, has been recognised by national charity Home-Start UK for her work with the Banbury and Chipping Norton branch of the organisation.

The national charity launched its first ever volunteer award scheme to recognise the ‘amazing’ work done by the 14,808 home-visiting volunteers and 2,448 trustees who give their time to support families across the UK. The Banbury based scheme nominated Lady Hayter for the category of Outstanding Trustee Award and were delighted that she was announced runner up out of 25 nominations.

The results were revealed by TV presenter and Home-Start ambassador Kirstie Allsopp at the national convention gala dinner.

Lady Hayter said: “I am thrilled to receive this commendation and remain passionately convinced about the importance and value of Home-Start’s work.

“During the years I have been involved there have been so many families who say their lives have been turned around with Home-Start’s help. The Home-Start approach is a simple and cost-effective one but it really works.”

Nominations were judged by a panel including the two daughters of Margaret Harrison CBE, founder of Home-Start, who were looking for a volunteer who has shown extraordinary commitment and excellence during their volunteering.

Lady Hayter has been volunteering with the charity for 24 years, during which time she has played a major role in raising the profile and bringing in hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity.

Senior Organiser Jane Skelton said: “We are delighted Deborah’s unwavering support and commitment have been given national recognition.

“She has made a tremendous contribution to our trustee board with unlimited resourcefulness and boundless enthusiasm.”

Although she is now taking a well-deserved retirement from her trustee post Lady Hayter will become a patron of the charity, in support of support of Home-Start’s vital work providing friendship, support and practical help to families under stress.

Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton is a voluntary home-visiting scheme in which volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to young families where there are difficulties or stress.

The charity depends heavily on donations to support its vital work with parents and children. For more information on how you can support Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton please go to http://www.home-startbanbury.org.uk/help_us.php