Home-Start Wessex, the regional charity providing support to families in need, has appointed Belinda Hewett as its new Head of Operations. The role, newly created to meet the charity’s expanding demand, comes at a critical time, with the organisation experiencing record-high requests for assistance.
Last year, the charity supported 402 families across its service area, the highest number in its history. This marked a 63% year-on-year increase, highlighting the growing challenges many families face. Following the closure of Home-Start West Dorset in October 2023, a result of the ongoing funding crisis, Home-Start Wessex stepped in to fill the gap. The charity extended its services to cover West Dorset, including the towns of Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, and Lyme Regis, helping to ensure that families in these areas continued to receive vital support.
Belinda Hewett brings a wealth of experience to the new role, having spent four decades working within the NHS. Her most recent position was as Matron of Women’s Health Gynaecology at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, where she led her team through periods of change while maintaining high standards of care. Her work also extended into outreach, collaborating with voluntary organisations to offer enhanced support services through the hospital’s women’s health team.
Speaking about the appointment, Kathy Fryatt-Banks, Chief Executive of Home-Start Wessex, expressed her enthusiasm: “Belinda has proven herself as a dedicated leader, guiding teams through complex transformations across multiple services. Her proactive, solutions-focused approach, combined with her ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, will be invaluable as we continue to evolve. The closure of Home-Start West Dorset meant we had to act swiftly to ensure families in that region continued to receive support, and Belinda’s expertise will help us manage this expanded remit effectively.”
Belinda herself is excited to take on the challenge of leading operations at Home-Start Wessex. “I fully believe in the charity’s mission and values,” she said. “As a parent and someone who has spent years supporting vulnerable women, I have a deep understanding of the needs of families, particularly those with young children. I’m thrilled to be joining such a dedicated team and look forward to ensuring our services continue to meet the growing demand, especially as we expand into West Dorset.”
Home-Start Wessex has been a lifeline for families in the region since it was founded in 1995. Over the past 29 years, the charity has supported more than 3,500 families and over 10,000 children, providing practical help and friendship to those facing difficulties such as mental health struggles, domestic abuse, disability, bereavement, and isolation.
The charity’s services now span an extensive geographical area, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth, Dorchester, and Bridport, and stretch into parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire. Volunteers from the charity play a crucial role in offering hands-on support, ensuring that families in need can access the help they require.
With Hewett at the helm of operations, Home-Start Wessex aims to continue its mission of offering compassionate and practical assistance to families facing adversity, while navigating the challenges posed by increased demand and the expanded service area.
