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Friday, November 21, 2008, 09:24
Joan Couch has taken over as chairman of family support group Home-Start Torbay.
Earlier this year, the Paignton-based charity which has helped thousands of vulnerable families failed in its bid to secure funding from Torbay Council for the next three years.
Management committee members had feared they would have to make cutbacks to the service they provide to around 80 families across the Bay.
But Mrs Couch said the situation had since improved and added: "We have taken a good look at ourselves and we feel really optimistic about our future.
"We have had a few knocks in recent times, but they have only served to make us more determined to provide families in the Bay with the service they desperately need, particularly during these difficult times."
Joan has taken over the reins from Wendy Burridge, who had been the chairman at Home-Start for three years but has stood down due to her numerous other community commitments.
The group's volunteers, staff and trustees have been supporting families in the Bay for almost 20 years and Mrs Couch said they intend to do so for many years to come.
They have recently appointed a part-time funding and development officer with the job of ensuring the long-term future of the scheme.
To keep up with the increasing demand for its service, primarily from health visitors and children's centres, a 40-hour volunteer preparation course was launched last month.
Mrs Coach said: "Things are just getting better and better for us.
"Our ambitions mean we are always looking for new volunteers, as well as new members to our management committee."
For details about Home-Start or receiving support in your own home, call Denise Ratcliffe on 01803 559000 or e-mail info@homestarttorbay. eclipse.co.uk.
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