Volunteer Long Service Awards 2026

Home-Start Suffolk held Volunteer Long Service Awards on Thursday 16th July, acknowledging volunteers’ dedication and service to the charity. 

Home-Start Suffolk carefully matches hundreds of families every year with over 250 exceptionally well-trained volunteers. 

The volunteers become professional friends, helping families to navigate the support they need and take that next small step to where they deserve to be. 

Attended by volunteers, trustees and staff, the event was held at BT, Adastral Park, where the awards recognised volunteers who have reached significant milestones, 5, 10, 15 or 20 years of volunteering. 

Volunteer Clare received an award for reaching the 5-year milestone. She said: “I volunteer because I have a background in health and social care and this is a little bit about giving something back, but also helping me to continue to use some of the skills that I have. 

 

“Volunteering is really enjoyable, it’s really inspiring and it’s really fulfilling. There are lots of opportunities along with it, opportunities for networking, opportunities for training and it’s a really worthwhile thing to do.” 

Together the volunteers in attendance have contributed a combined total of over 160 years of volunteering for Home-Start Suffolk. 

The event reflected on the impact achieved together and celebrated the positive difference that has been made to families across Suffolk. 

Tara Spence, CEO at Home-Start Suffolk, and Rob Thacker, Chair, hosted the event and presented the awards. 

Tara said: “On behalf of everyone at Home-Start Suffolk, I want to thank our volunteers. I could say how amazing they are a thousand times over, but I don’t think my words could ever capture what our volunteers actually mean to the charity. 

“Family life has become more complex than ever. Every year we face new challenges, supporting families living through situations they never imagined they would have to face. 

“But one thing has remained constant. Our volunteers’ compassion. Every week they open doors for families who may feel isolated, overwhelmed or unable to see a way forward. 

“Our volunteers give their time so that parents feel seen, heard and understood without judgement. They remind families that they are not alone, and that however difficult today feels, tomorrow can be different. 

 

“Congratulations to our long service award recipients. They should all be incredibly proud of the difference you have made and continue to make every single day.”

 

Rob added: “Volunteering asks a great deal of people. It asks for your time, your patience, your empathy and your willingness to stand alongside others during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. 

 

“Our volunteers give all of those things so generously and for that, we are profoundly grateful. On behalf of the entire board, thank you to our volunteers for everything you have done and continue to do. It was an honour to celebrate your commitment at these awards.” 

 

If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start Suffolk, you can find out more at homestartinsuffolk.org/volunteer-with-home-start/.