Walk 2K This September to Help Struggling Families in Essex Every Step Makes a Difference
Posted on: August 8, 2025
Families across Essex are facing daily challenges that no parent or child should have to endure.
Children’s charity, Home-Start Essex is calling on the local community to step up and help.
This September, Home-Start Essex is inviting Essex residents, families and businesses to take part in a 2K–5K sponsored walk completed anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace to raise money for families with young children who are struggling daily.
From poverty and poor mental health to bereavement and abuse, the challenges faced by families with children under five are more widespread than many realise.
Right now, local families with children under five are experiencing serious issues, including:
• Social isolation
• Children with physical or learning disabilities
• Parents with mental or physical health issues
• Living in poverty
• Domestic abuse
• Bereavement
• Being rehomed or living in temporary accommodation
Home-Start Essex steps in, helping families get back on their feet, find hope, and build a better future. Last year alone, they
supported 1025 families and 2116 children with:
• Home Visiting – Weekly support from trained volunteer mentors for families in need.
• Family Support Groups – Helping parents build confidence, resilience, and school readiness through play and peer
connection, including SEND, Family Fitness & Fun, and Baby Massage groups.
• Wellbeing Groups – Support for parents struggling with their emotional wellbeing, who may be facing trauma, grief,
or postnatal depression.
• Essential Supplies – Food, nappies, blankets, and fuel support for families in poverty or temporary housing.
• Behavioural & SEND Support – One-to-one and group help for parents of children with additional needs.
• Counselling – Mental health support, including for survivors of domestic abuse.
• Befriending Calls – A listening ear for parents who feel isolated and alone.
Nic O’Brien, CEO of Home-Start Essex says: “We work with families who, at times, feel like they have nowhere to turn. We’re there for families when they feel lost and alone, helping them find strength, rebuild their confidence, and create a better future for their young children. We need the kindness and support of our local community to help raise much needed funds to continue our services to support local families facing hardship.”
By simply walking 2K–5K during September, around your local park, to the shop, or as part of a team day at work, you can help raise vital funds to keep these life-changing services going.
Thanks to the Essex Fun Walk scheme, every donation will be increased by 30–40% match funding. That means a £10 donation could become £14 plus Gift Aid without you having to do anything extra.
Participants can choose to fundraise through sponsorship or simply donate themselves to take part.
Everyone who registers will receive a welcome pack with sponsorship forms and details on our just giving fundraising page
online.
It’s a simple walk, but it can change the course of a family’s life.
To register and receive your welcome pack, email: melissa.reynolds@home-startessex.org.uk
Or visit: www.home-startessex.org.uk
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