Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait
Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait

Family stories

Families speak for themselves

Every story is different; with different backgrounds and set ups. We love to receive feedback and messages from our families. They are the only ones who can tell it like it really is…

Pregnancy & Depression

“I found I was 36 weeks pregnant and had my first little boy in July 2017 and after I fell into a deep depression. My family and partner at the time couldn’t do anything to help. My health visitor also couldn’t help and had to refer me to Home-Start Richmondshire. A week or two later I was introduced to what has become my second family. My volunteer has been a massive part in helping me get out of my depression and helping me raise my now two-year-old. She goes over and beyond for us. As of May 2019, my world turned upside down again and I gained a second son. I didn’t know I was pregnant until he arrived. I had absolutely nothing for him and Home-Start Richmondshire got me everything and even more than I needed. They were there through the long days and the heartbreak and highs of my life. I have recently gone for an operation, and they were there from the beginning to the end and helped me and my children. Without Home-Start Richmondshire I wouldn’t like to think where my life would have gone.”

When Everyday Life Just Gets a Bit Much

These words were written by the dad of a family we have supported since July 2018. 

“My wife was pregnant and diagnosed with a life-threatening condition that was dangerous for both her and baby.  Louise couldn’t do much for the last weeks of her pregnancy which left the upkeep of the house, looking after our two young sons and working part time solely down to me. We were also grieving parents for our daughter who had died the previous year of a rare heart condition. The stress and pressure of everyday life was becoming too much. When our volunteer arrived, immediately the pressure was off; for the first time in months, we felt some kind of normality. My wife and I were getting on better, and our children were happier. Her positive attitude and her warm personality rubbed off on the whole family. My wife doesn’t drive, and I often travel in my role with HM Forces, this is another area in which Home-Start Richmondshire have helped us. Our volunteer takes my wife to appointments; this relieves stress on me and gives my wife more independence. Home-Start have had a huge impact on our day to day lives. The staff are dedicated and compassionate. Our volunteer is such a big part of our life; she has become family. She has done more for us than she will ever know, words can’t begin to describe how grateful we are and how wonderful she really is”

Part of Our Family….

These words were written by a mum who has complex physical needs and is a wheelchair user. 

“My volunteer was always on hand to help with doctors, Benefits and Council appointments. We have also had a day trip to Thorp Perrow using the pass funded by Home-Start Richmondshire which saves me a lot of money. Home-Start Richmondshire are as much a part of my family as they could be, and they’ll never get rid of me as when I no longer need my volunteer, I intend to become a volunteer myself to help other families like mine.”

Our Volunteer is like part of the family!

These words were written by the mum of a family of six children who we have supported since 2018. 

“We feel like she is like part of our family. Kind, warm, really good with children – fun to be around – laughs at my crappy jokes! Not intrusive or patronising.”

Practical and Emotional Help..

These words were written by a mum who had poor mental health. The volunteer also helped mum to access counselling services and looked after the toddler in the waiting room whilst mum had her sessions. 

“Practical and emotional go hand in hand e.g. showering can change emotions. When the house is tidier it lifts a weight.”

Having Someone Who’s Like a Family Member

These words were written by an Army spouse who had recently arrived from Fiji and had no family support in the UK. 

“It’s a bit like having my Mum come in, she [the volunteer] just gets down on the floor and plays with him – I trust her.”

Financial Strategies to Help

These words were written by a family who lived in rural isolation. Home-Start also helped the family to access the nearest foodbank which was 20 miles away. 

“It got to the point where we started struggling financially, so that’s where Home-Start Richmondshire gave us strategies and ideas to get things back under control.

Areas we cover

We support right across Richmondshire.

And everywhere in-between!

If in doubt if you are in our area, please contact us and we can advise you.

Contact Us
Contact Us

Sue McVay

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as manager in June 2023. Previous to that, I worked in the Early Years sector, operationally and strategically, for over 30 years.

I am passionate about supporting parents to give children the best possible start in life and believe that Home-Start Richmondshire has the knowledge, experience and understanding to deliver this through the staff team and network of volunteers.

Emma Felinski

I recently joined HSR as a coordinator, in April 2025 after working as a support worker for many years. I am enjoying my role, supporting families through challenging times. I have spent time overseas, including New York, Paraguay, Cyprus and Germany. While working overseas In Paraguay South America I worked with children and families living in poverty. This was an experience that was very rewarding, and my passion to support people continues. I love to travel the world and experience different cultures. I also enjoy hiking, with my two dogs, wild swimming and spending time with my children.

Jill Sinaguglia

I joined Home Start Richmondshire as a coordinator in July 2023.  I’ve had a varied career working as a radio presenter and journalist, running my own chocolate business and as a children and families’ social worker. I have three children and have found parenting to be a wonderful but sometimes scary and challenging journey.  I am passionate about getting alongside families who are struggling.  I know sometimes you just need a bit of encouragement to keep going or reassurance that you are doing it right!  I love that at Home Start we can do just that, and it is a privilege to support and empower families to reach their goals.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, visiting coffee shops and exploring new places.

Andrew Terry

My professional background was in children’s services, initially as a secondary school teacher and then leading teams of specialist staff for North Yorkshire Council. I retired in 2015 from the post of Assistant Director, Access and Inclusion, the service which works with and for schools and the parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. For a time, I also managed the education social work service and the looked after children’s service.

I volunteered at the Friarage Hospital for 8 years until 2023, mainly with elderly patients and now help in the community.

I believe that the early years of a child’s life are vital to their wellbeing and prospects at school and beyond, and that a stable family life is crucial. Coming from a very large family, I have personal experience of the challenges that strained domestic life can bring and I joined Home Start Richmondshire in January 2022 to play a part in helping parents and carers when they ask for additional support.

Sian Moore

I am local to Richmondshire, attending primary and secondary schools in the area.

I have worked in Local Government in North Yorkshire for more than 35 years. My main interest was in Finance, acting as the Statutory Finance Officer for approximately 15 years. I also oversaw the finance aspects of major projects including the Allerton Park waste disposal facility and fire service training centre.

I held responsibility for HR, property, IT, Council tax, business rates and housing benefits.

Since retiring in 2023 I am studying for an MSc in Psychology, which I juggle with family responsibilities.

Tad Zaranko

I have worked for thirty six years in education, as a senior leader in three secondary schools, including one as a Headteacher.

I am a school improvement partner for two local authorities and a consultant support for the development of mathematics in small rural schools.

I am also a consultant on the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ Programme and an LA. Education lead in a HMP. Section leader in a Further Education College.

Currently a Governor of a Primary School on the Garrison for 15 years including 10 years as chair of the governing board.

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.

Daniel Bell

I read Law at Solent University and completed the professional exams at the College of Law (Guildford) before undertaking a career in intellectual property and commercial law with the Marcol Group in London.  I was commissioned into the ETS in 2010 and served with 1WG on AT4 and Op HERRICK 16 in 2011.  Took command of Arnhem Platoon, Jackson Coy at ATC(P) in 2012 before being selected in 2014 to undertake a comprehensive program of modernisation, organisational restructuring, and course re-design at RMAS as OiC Coaching Advisory Team. In 2016 having completed an MSc in Education and Innovation, I took command of the Training Management Cell at the Defence SERE Training Organisation in RAF St Mawgan.

Following that, I managed the delivery of a high profile and value training transformation project as SO3 Training Advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project in 2018. Before attending ICSC(L) and returning to the Middle East as SO2 Military Education Advisor to the Kuwait MOD in 2019 and, subsequently, as the SO1 in 2020. 

I have various interests, including being a CPSA shooting coach, an ARA rowing coach, triathlete, climber, surfer and amateur motorbike and car restorer.  I am married to Seana with 3 children and 1 dog; Gabriel (8), Niamh (7), Sonny (1) and Seamus the Border Collie (14).  

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.