Our People

Known as Bernie, I have worked as Scheme Manager for Home-Start Northampton since August 1997. Prior to that I worked for Home-Start Bedford for 3 ½ years as a Co-ordinator. During my working life I have held various positions; office junior, secretarial and as an insurance underwriter but found my forte whilst working for another charity in Bedford, Family Groups. This work tied in with my family life following the birth of my second child. Family Groups supported adults who may or may not have had children and as the name suggests support was provided through group work. At times I found not being able to support outside of the group situation frustrating and I was drawn to Home-Start as Home-Start support is more holistic and flexible to meet the whole family’s needs.

 

I’m Mandy and a Mum to two grown up sons. After graduating, and prior to having a family, I worked for a number of years in Direct Marketing across Europe. When the boys were little I was fortunate enough to be at home with them, however once my youngest started school, I worked part time in Special Educational Needs, both in mainstream and special provision schools. Throughout this time I also volunteered for a number of charities who supported, or provided activities for, children who were either vulnerable or had additional needs. One of these voluntary roles was as a Home-Start volunteer. Inspired by the benefits the whole family derives from home visiting I knew I wanted to increase my involvement and commitment to this type of support. I joined Home-Start Northampton as a part time Co-ordinator in November 2015, where I work alongside an amazing team of staff and volunteers who support parents to realise their aspirations for a better family life.

Kerrie Purr

I have been with Home-Start for nearly eight years. I began as a volunteer for a year then took up a position as the dedicated Family Support Worker in May 2010. I came to Home-Start from a counselling background but never felt I was in the right place. Since working here I have supported up to 12 families a week and although at times it can be challenging I have immensely enjoyed my work and feel I am at last somewhere my skills and experience can make a difference to people’s lives in a way that suits my more practical nature. The Home-Start Northampton team are welcoming and supportive, I feel very loyal to the scheme and appreciate the opportunity given to me. I am currently undertaking a Higher
Education Certificate in Children and Families to back up the valuable experience I have gained over my time with Home-Start.

Jayne Russell

I became a Home Start trustee after seeing the great work that the scheme did with vulnerable families. I previously have worked as a health visitor and school nurse in Northampton.

Julia Halliwell

I’m Dan and I am a trustee and the treasurer of the scheme. I am also a Chartered Ac-countant and partner at Cottons Accountants. I have a young family which keeps me busy in my spare time.

I have volunteered for Home-Start Northampton for a little over 5 years and soon after becoming a volunteer, I joined the Board of Trustees as a volunteer representative. I couldn’t wait to get involved and to see what help that I could give to families and was completely surprised at what it actually gave me. I’ve worked in various PR and Marketing roles over the years but am pleased to say that I have finally found my vocation in life.

I’m known as Cath and I am an independent trustee for Home-Start Northampton. I first became involved with Home-Start in the early 1990's as a Health Visitor referring families for support/befriending. I became an advisor on the board around 1993. I have been an active member on the board since then, becoming a trustee in 2015. I still am working as a Health Visitor but very part time as I am retired.

Robin Draper

Gemma Lovegrove

Maxine Clarke
Safeguarding Advisor

Ross Davidson
Communications Advisor