Homestart gets cheque from its neighbour

3.48.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 11th Nov 2005

Chris Huhne said that Home-Start had made a dramatic difference to the quality of many local childrens' lives

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne presented Mary Diaper, the funding manager of local housing charity Home-Start, with a cheque for £250 to help "keep up the good work".

Macarthy and Stone, who developed Fairholme Court, the sheltered accommodation for the elderly newly built on the Romsey Road opposite the Eastleigh Rec, offered to pay the sum to a charity of Mr Huhne's choice to celebrate the opening of the building.

Chris Huhne said that he had chosen Home-Start as he had long admired their work helping families with young children, and was delighted to present a cheque to Ms Diaper and her colleague Di Brazier, the senior organiser (pictured here).

Mr Huhne said that Home-Start had made a dramatic difference to the quality of many local childrens' lives and had helped more than 200 local families with children under 5 years old in the last year alone.

Through home visits and groups, young parents are supported by an experienced parent who is often able to relieve anxiety and stress.

Mr Huhne said the funding was also appropriate because Fairholme Court is only a few doors away from Home-Start's offices on Romsey Road.