Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur (HSAWA) was honoured to welcome the High Sheriff of West Sussex on a recent visit to highlight the importance of early intervention in mental health, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and community-based family support.

The High Sheriff, who has a longstanding interest in mental health and the impact of ACEs on long-term wellbeing, spent time meeting with HSAWA staff and volunteers supporting the charity. He was particularly interested in the organisation’s counselling service, which provides free therapeutic support for parents facing emotional challenges, as well as the holistic support delivered through trained volunteer home visitors and family group support.

During the visit, the High Sheriff also heard about HSAWA’s work with HMP Ford, where the charity supports Family Days—an initiative helping imprisoned parents maintain and strengthen bonds with their children. This work plays a crucial role in breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and supporting rehabilitation.

The High Sheriff of West Sussex said:

HSAWA Volunteers make such a difference to the families they support

“It was a real pleasure to visit Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur and meet some of the team doing such vital work with local families. Supporting parents through tough times, especially when it comes to mental health and the effects of early trauma, can make a huge difference. I was particularly impressed by the counselling service and the support offered to families at HMP Ford. It’s clear that Home-Start’s work is helping to build stronger, more connected families and communities. Being able to present a thank-you certificate during Volunteers’ Week made the visit even more special—it’s the volunteers who make this support possible, and they truly deserve the recognition.”

Bridget Richardson, Chief Executive of HSAWA, said:

“We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff and share the work we do in supporting families through difficult times. His commitment to mental health and understanding of how early adversity affects families aligns closely with our mission.”

The visit served as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the complex challenges facing local families and the power of community-led support in creating lasting change.

HS AWA work with families and their children to provide support tailored to their needs

Notes to Editors:

Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur is a local charity supporting families with children under the age of 5 through trained volunteers, counselling, and Family Groups.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and can have lasting effects on health and wellbeing.
For media enquiries, please contact Lucy Knowles, [email protected], 01903 953799.

High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, visits Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur to champion mental health and family support