Home-Start Wessex has been recognised as the Best Place to Work at the Bridport Business Awards 2026, celebrating the charity’s commitment to its staff and volunteers. The winners were announced at a special ceremony attended by over 60 local business representatives.
Organised by Marketing West, the Bridport Business Awards highlight organisations that make a significant contribution to the local economy. The Best Place to Work Award specifically acknowledges employers who have created an outstanding workplace, fostering a motivated, committed, and effective workforce.
Home-Start Wessex provides vital support to parents in Dorset with at least one child under five who are experiencing a crisis. Its services include specialist groups, one-to-one home visits, and emotional advice. Families are supported for a wide range of challenges, including poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation, financial hardship, and multiple births. Over the past year, the charity has supported a record 526 families, positively impacting 1,716 lives.
Judges commended Home-Start Wessex for its internal survey results, which revealed unanimous support from staff and volunteers. Employees described the charity as “A truly amazing place to work,” adding, “I love going to work, it is just the best place I’ve ever worked,” and “I am very proud to be part of such an amazing organisation… I look forward to coming to work every day.”
Belinda Hewett, Head of Operations at Home-Start Wessex, said: “When Home-Start West Dorset became a victim of the funding crisis in October 2023, Home-Start Wessex immediately extended its reach to help families in Bridport, Dorchester, Portland, Weymouth, and as far as Lyme Regis.
“In 2024, we opened our Bridport Haven group, welcoming families to drop in at the Bridport Family Hub every Tuesday to access free support. We also provide 1-to-1 support for families in and around Bridport.
“We are incredibly proud to win this Best Place to Work Award, and I would like to dedicate it to our amazing volunteers who work so hard to support families in Bridport and beyond. We could not deliver our service without them.”
The charity is actively recruiting volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to parents with young children across Dorset. No prior experience is required, as full training and ongoing support are provided. Interested volunteers are encouraged to contact the team at office@homestartwessex.org.uk to make a difference in their community.
