Janet's Story

I’m taking on the Maldon Mud Race to raise vital funds for Home-Start Essex, helping local families with young children get the support they need.

I love a challenge and I think this will definitely be one for me! I have a two wonderful children, a husband and a rescue dog who are there for me when I need it. I would like to be there for the Home-Start families too. I work for Home-Start Essex and so I know first hand what a huge difference all the phone calls, hugs and home visits really make to the families we support. I am prepared to get very, very very muddy and bedraggled for a very good cause, raising money for a vital Charity supporting families all over Mid, South and West Essex.

Every donation will help provide Family Support Groups, Home Visiting support, and Wellbeing & Mental Health services—all designed to ensure parents feel listened to, supported, and valued.

Our incredible volunteers and staff go above and beyond every week to make a real difference in families’ lives. Please give what you can to help us reach even more parents and children.

Thank you for your support! 💜

Home-Start Essex supports parents to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a happy and healthy environment.

Our goal is to give children the best possible start in life.

We Support Children (under 5) and their Families within Essex, who maybe experiencing:

• Living in Poverty

• Physical or Learning Disabilities

• Domestic Abuse

• Rehomed or living in Temporary Accommodation

• Struggling with Mental or Physical Health Issues

• Suffering with Social Isolation

• Suffered from a Bereavement.

Home-Start Essex provides support by:

• Volunteer Family Support Mentors - Assisting Families in their Own Home

• Family Support Groups Groups also include dedicated children’s SEND groups.

• Wellbeing support Groups

• Providing Essential Items to those Living in Poverty or in Temporary Accommodation

• Behavioural Support for parents of children with additional needs and SEND support.

• Counselling Services

• Telephone Support

Need for our Services

• Since the pandemic, we have had a dramatic increase in demand of our services by 134%.

• Today more than 38,600 children live in the top 20 most deprived neighbourhoods across Essex.

• 14.1% of Essex children and young people are living in extreme poverty.

• In 2023-2024 we supported 1900 children and 922 families within Essex.

Please support Janet with this challenge event and donate what you can to support this wonderful local children’s charity.