STRUGGLING families in Dorset will be given a major boost this Christmas thanks to a campaign which aims to capture the spirit of generosity in communities.

Home-Start West Dorset (HSWD), which offers friendship, advice and practical support to families who live in west Dorset and Weymouth and Portland, is set to benefit through a £5 million partnership also involving John Lewis, Waitrose and FareShare.

The John Lewis Christmas advert, 'Give a little love', launched last week to support the campaign, highlights the kindness of the British public during the pandemic.

This new campaign with the John Lewis Partnership aims to raise £5m for the work of Home-Start and FareShare through a nationwide effort to encourage communities and customers to embrace the Christmas spirit and give what they can. Giving is especially important this year as communities have been hit by the pandemic.

Funds raised will enable Home-Start to support families through volunteer visits and friendship, and FareShare to support essential food provision for families in low income households. An additional £1m has been allocated to local John Lewis and Waitrose stores to work directly with local Home-Starts and FareShares to help families hit hardest by the Covid-19.

Together, the partnership aims to support at least 100,000 families.

As part of a network of 180 Home-Starts across the country HSWD has moved essential support services online to stay connected with families through their team of 56 volunteers – staying connected with families, providing emotional and practical support, and linking families into other community services such as their local foodbanks. It says it has social distancing and isolation placing 'enormous strain' on families.

HSWD manager Helen Horsley said: “We are really excited about working with our local Waitrose stores in Bridport, Crewkerne, Dorchester and Poundbury. They have been very supportive in the past and I am sure we will work well together to raise awareness of the work of their local Home-Start."

She added: "I am personally very passionate about the support we give families but I know everyone who is involved in Home-Start feels the same. When a family says 'I will always be grateful to my wonderful volunteer for patiently allowing me to find my confidence again and give me hope for the future', you know you are doing something right that is making a real difference.”

HSWD was launched in 2009 and last year (2019/2020) it supported 92 families and 223 children. During the pandemic it has continued to support families through telephone and video calls, and text messages. Families have also been supported through activity packs for the children.