The Home-Start UK Volunteer Awards, on Thursday, 27th March, honoured volunteers whose remarkable efforts have transformed family lives. Held at the prestigious RAC Club in London and hosted by TV personality and long-standing Home-Start ambassador Kirstie Allsopp, the awards celebrated powerful examples of Home-Start’s support for families in communities across the UK. 

Helen Sharp from Home-Start North East Worcestershire, was named Volunteer of the Year for her extraordinary dedication to supporting families. Over the years, Helen has helped more than 30 families through home visits, providing stability, comfort, and advocacy when they needed it most. She has also been a tireless champion for Home-Start, securing funding, writing to newspapers, and lobbying MPs to ensure support for local families continues. Deb McCammon, Senior Coordinator at Home-Start North East Worcestershire, praised her as a “real-life Mary Poppins”, adding:

" Helen is a constant champion for our local Home Start, Families need a sense of safety in the community they are living in. Arriving each week at the same time and on the same day is the building block for this trust. Numerous families she has supported have benefitted from it over the years."

After hosting the event, TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp said: “It’s been an absolute joy to come together and celebrate the incredible work of Home-Start’s volunteers. They are the lifeblood of this wonderful charity, bringing warmth, empathy, and unwavering support to families when they need it most. This year’s winners embody everything Home-Start stands for - kindness, commitment, and a genuine sense of community. It’s been wonderful to honour them, along with all the amazing volunteers across the UK who make a real difference every single day."

Vivien Waterfield, Interim Chief Executive for Home-Start UK, said: “With over 9,000 Home-Start volunteers giving their time to support families across the UK, this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their dedication. We are delighted to honour just some of these incredible individuals through our Volunteer Awards. This event would not have been possible without supporters – including the Pears Foundation, Cadent and SGN Gas Distribution Networks, John Lewis Partnership, BT and the People’s Postcode Lottery – who go above and beyond to support Home-Start UK and make this work possible.”

Following an incredible number of nominations, an expert panel of judges selected winners across eight categories, recognising volunteers for their compassion, commitment, and impact. Winners received a cash prize from the Marsh Charitable Trust, alongside a trophy and certificate.

2025 winners are below. You can watch all the winners videos on our YouTube playlist

Corporate Volunteer – Scullion Law (Home-Start Glasgow North

Scullion Law has provided financial support and professional expertise, strengthening Home-Start Glasgow North & North Lanarkshire’s ability to deliver essential services. Manager Nikki O’Hara said:
" Scullion Law has greatly enhanced the capabilities of Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire. Their support ensures we can be there for families when they need us most.”

Group Volunteer – Angela Dart (Home-Start Cyprus

Angela runs two vital support groups, Gran Pen’s Story-Time and Funky Fridays, while also assisting families in their homes and training new volunteers. Charmaine Smith, Manager at Home-Start ESBA, praised her, saying: " In Angie’s compassionate hands, she lifts families up when they are struggling, she listens when no one else does, and her steady presence brings hope during challenging times.

Digital Volunteer – Lesley Walmsley (Home-Start Greenwich)

Lesley, a BSL Interpreter Volunteer, played a pivotal role in ensuring a Deaf mother could bond with her hearing child, preventing the family from being excluded from crucial early intervention. Paula Ribeiro, Family Support Coordinator at Home-Start Greenwich, said: "Lesley is amazing! Her skills and dedication have changed lives."

Community Champion – Larysa Ovdiienko (Home-start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre)

Larysa, who fled the war in Ukraine, first came to Home-Start Blackpool as a parent and quickly became an active volunteer, supporting families at the local Stay and Play group. Karen Charlton, Coordinator at Home-Start Blackpool, said: Charlton, Co-ordinator at Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre said: “It’s been lovely to see Larysa grow. Her smile is infectious, and she lights up the room when she is around. Larysa has a sunny nature about her and has an eagerness to help others.”

Home-Visitor – Patience Sazangwe (Home-start Glasgow South)

Patience  has made an enormous difference to the mum she is currently supporting and helped her to find her strength. Colette Boyle Manager at Home-Start Glasgow South said: “Patience changed the family’s life for the better. She has been a consistent and kind support to mum and her boys through a difficult time. When Mum was at her most scared and vulnerable, Patience was able to listen and ensure Mum got the help she needed.”

Supporter of the Year – Chrissie Morrison (Home-Start Stirling)

Chrissie has spent 23 years supporting families, helping nearly 20 families through her gentle, non-judgemental approach. Diana Small, Family Group Coordinator at Home-Start Stirling said: “Chrissie draws on her years of experience in a gentle, non-judgemental way which builds up parental confidence and means each family has said how much they value her visits.”

Trustee – Mark Feinmann (Home-Start Lorn)

Mark has taken on multiple roles including Treasurer, Interim Manager, Home-Visiting Volunteer, and Development Officer to keep Home-Start Lorn running. He also played a key role in establishing Home-Start Lomond as an independent service. Hannah Gillies, Manager at Home-Start Lorn said: “Mark has supported me in becoming the Manager I am today, both physically and emotionally. He goes above and beyond in all aspects of his role as Chair, and I don’t know where we would be without him.”

Local Home-Starts were invited to submit their nominations and the winners were carefully selected from a shortlist by a judging panel that consisted of:

• Annie McCarthy, Trusts Manager, Marsh Charitable Trust 
• Heather Crombie, Trustee, Marsh Charitable Trust
• Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability and social Purpose, Cadent
• Dr Beverley Barnett- Jones, Director of Programmes, Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
• Paul Ramchandani, LEGO Professor of Play, Cambridge University
• Samia Berkouz, Volunteer, Home-Start Hillingdon