Estate agent Greenslade Taylor Hunt, which has branches in Minehead and Williton, is helping the most needy in the local community by supporting Home-Start West Somerset.

The charity provides support to families with young children and during the Covid-19 lockdown has seen demand for its services rocket, with its workload increasing by 160 per cent.

To help parents cope in the crisis the service switched from a home visiting model to phone and online support. The charity has helped parents cope with new demands such as home schooling, and assisted practically with food box deliveries, along with nappies and medicines, and resources to keep youngsters entertained.

Clare Pound, manager of Home-Start West Somerset, said: “It’s all been very tough and hard work but we’ve absolutely loved being out there, being helpful and experiencing this situation at the frontline directly with the families from day one.”

GTH came up with a ‘sell one, pay one’ policy in which fees from completed sales in Minehead and Williton are set aside for the charity. In a short time £1,000 has been accrued for Home-Start and this will provide Christmas hampers for families the charity supports.

Home-Start West Somerset is part of a national charity network but must provide all its own fundraising.

Caroline Ferris, GTH’s residential manager at Minehead and Williton, is delighted the firm is supporting this worthwhile cause.

GTH will continue to support Home-Start over the coming months as it helps families from ‘bump’ to baby and beyond, providing practical help and guidance. To find out more about Home-Start phone 01643 707304 or email [email protected]