TWO long-serving members of a Wyre Forest charity have been given awards for their services.

Home-Start Wyre Forest awarded a Life President position to long-serving trustee Barbara Hughes and a 15-year service award to home visiting befriender Eileen Hillman.

Mrs Hughes joined the family support organisation as a trustee in 2001 and has just stepped down from her roles as chairman after six years service. She will remain a trustee and company director and has taken on the office of vice chairman, in addition to her Life Presidency role. She was presented with a photographic record of her years at the scheme.

Megan Weaver, Home-Start chairman, said: “I am very pleased that Mrs Hughes has been awarded a well deserved Life President position at Home-Start Wyre Forest. During her time with Home-Start she has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to help the continual development of this family support organisation.

“Not only is she a great support for staff, volunteers and trustees, but she is a great ambassador for the scheme.”

Mrs Hillman has supported fourteen local families during her years at Home-Start and continues to show the same level of dedication and commitment to making a difference to families in her local community.

Belinda Darby, Home-Start manager, said: “Eileen is an inspiration to our volunteer team, being our first volunteer to have completed fifteen years of service. Our volunteer support at a vulnerable time for a family can be a lifeline to those who are isolated or in need or emotional or practical help.

“Eileen has always approached situations with enthusiasm and a “can-do” attitude which can be very motivating for those around her. She is also skilled and very experienced at offering gentle befriending and support to those who are alone, bereaved or isolated through life circumstance.

“We were delighted to present her with this award in recognition for all she has done for Home-Start Wyre Forest and her local community.”

More information can be found at www.homestartwyreforest.org.uk or calling 01562 825896.

Home-Start Wyre Forest supports an average of 400 children in 200 families each year, through a team of 101 volunteers and five members of staff.