A CHARITY which supports families with young children has moved into new offices in Sherborne.

On April 4, Home-Start Blackmore Vale (HSBV) took up residence at its new base in the town council building, with staff, guests and more invited to a gathering at Sherborne House to mark the occasion.

The Chair of Trustees started off the proceedings, followed by a short video showing the work done by Home-Start, while a home visiting volunteer and parent explained the importance of the group’s efforts.

Jason Walker, Base Warrant Officer, and Colin Keirnan, Executive Officer, were present to show their support of the Yeovilton project funded by The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, working with service families for home visiting and group sessions.

Mayor of Sherborne, Councillor Robin Legg, and town clerk, Steve Shield, also attended to welcome the charity.

HSBV chair of trustees Paul Makenzie with Mayor of Sherborne, Councillor Robin Legg

“Our thanks to everyone who attended and to Sherborne House who gave us the beautiful venue free of charge,” a spokesperson said.

“In the last 12 years HSBV have supported 1,800 children and over 1,000 families.

“The move to Sherborne brings the administrative hub to the centre of our enlarged patch – now stretching from Beaminster and Maiden Newton in the West to Blandford in the East and Shaftesbury in the North of the county.”

The charity is keen to hear from anyone who may be able to volunteer to help families in need of support.

Training is provided and volunteers commit to two to three hours each week to work with a family.

For more information on HSBV – and volunteering opportunities – visit www.homestartblackmorevale.org.uk, call 01935 726438, or email office@homestartblackmorevale.org.uk.

Jason Walker, Base Warrant Officer, and Colin Keirnan, Executive Officer, from RNAS Yeovilton, with chair of trustees Paul Makenzie