An Oxford-based voluntary organisation is urging local residents who want to help families in their community to get involved.

Home-Start Oxford is looking for people from the area to bring their knowledge, empathy and specialist skills to serve on its Board of Trustees and help direct support programmes for young families across the county.

For almost forty years, the charity has been accompanying parents through some of life’s most demanding situations.

Whether families are coping with mental health difficulties, illness, disability, multiple births, refugee circumstances or loneliness, the group’s trained volunteers and staff offer compassionate, confidential support without judgment, tailored to each family’s individual needs.

The charity aims to ensure every child gets the strongest possible beginning in life.

As requests for help continue growing, Home-Start Oxford is encouraging anyone passionate about early years development, community wellbeing and family assistance to consider joining at a governance level.

Trustee Lucy Noble said they need people who recognise the strength of communities and wish to help bring about meaningful transformation.

Serving on the board means offering your voice, your experience and your commitment to supporting families during crucial periods.

Understanding that collective decisions directly shape children’s futures brings enormous satisfaction.

Board member Alison Sutton-Davezac commented that every child deserves the best possible start.

Having personally experienced the isolation of new parenthood, she knows how transformative the right support can be.

Becoming a board member provides a meaningful way to give back and help ensure no parent feels alone.

While trustees joined the board for different reasons, all share a dedication to helping families with young children.

Previous board experience is unnecessary—only commitment, openness and a desire to help families thrive are required.

Home-Start Oxford offers full training, support and expense reimbursement, and welcomes applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances.

The group particularly values those with expertise in safeguarding, law or strategic fundraising, as well as anyone with understanding of the challenges facing young families.

To help prospective applicants learn more, Home-Start Oxford will hold two casual Meet the Trustees sessions.

The first takes place on Tuesday, April 14 from 7pm until 8:30pm at The Methodist Church on High Street in Witney.

A second follows at Home-Start Oxford in Kingfisher Green from 12pm until 2pm on Friday, April 17.

These relaxed events offer a chance to hear directly from existing trustees, ask questions and learn about the organisation’s purpose.

Those interested can apply via the website or contact admin@homestartoxford.org.uk.