For this edition, mum Lauren has written the welcome, giving a powerful account of what Home-Start support has meant to her and her family. 

"Last year I was in Family Matters, sharing my story of how much supported me. I’d been struggling with my daughter Layla’s meltdowns. Layla has additional needs and I found it hard to go out of the house with her.

Last year I was in this magazine, sharing my story of how much Home-Start Portsmouth supported me. I’d been struggling with my daughter Layla’s meltdowns. Layla has additional needs and I found it hard to go out of the house with her.

My Home-Start volunteer John encouraged me to take Layla out and told me not to care what people think. He built up my confidence to the point where I can now take Layla shopping by myself. If she does have a meltdown, I’m able to manage it".

Cost of living crisis

"Home-Start has helped my family in so many ways, from giving me confidence and supporting me to be a better parent, to helping us get by with food and other essentials. In the last edition of this magazine I shared how the cost of living crisis had affected my family. How it was stopping my husband Will, a lance corporal from being able to travel home on weekends, and how that was affecting Layla".

Nothing left to cut back on

We’d cut back to the point where there was nothing left to cut back on. Then, in December, Home-Start told me that their corporate partners John Lewis and Waitrose were going to give us a Magical Christmas. We were speechless. Bags and bags of lovely food arrived and Christmas gifts – including a surprise for Will and me. But the biggest thing it did for us was remove all stress and guilt. We were able to enjoy Christmas and we managed to make the food last all month!".

Second job as a doorman

"While we were enjoying December, I was very aware of families like ours who were going without. We are so thankful to have been given this special experience that gave us a little break from having to struggle to cover the bills. We’re trying to manage the rising costs as much as we can. Will has taken on a second job as a doorman, so that we can cover the travel costs of him coming home at weekends, as well as buy food and heat our home.

I’m in a much better place than I was a year ago. I no longer need Home-Start support now. I’m thankful Home-Start was there to help me through some pretty tough times. Home-Start makes such a difference to families like mine. I may not need them now but it’s always nice to know I can contact them again if I need to.

Thank you for supporting this amazing charity".

Lauren x

Photo credit: Photographs provided by Army & You.

Read next: 50 years of little moments that matter

Subscribe to receive Family Matters magazine for FREE in the post