News and events

Catch up on our latest news and find out what’s on in and around the area. We organise social events, groups for parents and children and more.

Latest News

A Magical Day at Polka Theatre

A huge thank you to Polka Theatre for hosting a wonderful event for families supported by Home-Start Merton.

Families were treated to magical storytelling celebrating the importance of friendship, followed by a beautiful fairy craft activity that encouraged creativity and imagination.

The professionalism, warmth and enthusiasm of the Polka Theatre team made the experience truly special. It was a lovely opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, try something new and create happy memories.

We are incredibly grateful to Polka Theatre for their generosity and for helping us create brighter futures for local children and families.

WE ARE HIRING!

As Home-Start Merton continues to grow and respond to the evolving needs of families across the borough, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising Manager to join our dedicated and passionate team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future sustainability of our charity. Working closely with the Managing Director, you will lead the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy, securing vital income from a diverse range of sources including trusts and foundations, statutory funding, corporate partnerships, community fundraising and individual giving.
We are looking for someone with a proven track record in fundraising, excellent relationship-building and bid-writing skills, and the ambition to help Home-Start Merton grow its income, strengthen strategic partnerships and build long-term financial sustainability.
If you are passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of children and families, and want to be part of a supportive organisation committed to early intervention and community impact, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the Fundraising Manager role and how your skills, experience and personal qualities make you well suited to the position. Your covering letter should demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you meet the person specification.
For more info please visit – About us | Home-Start Merton
Home-Start Merton is a voluntary organisation dedicated to giving every child the best possible start in life because childhood does not wait. As part of one of the UK’s leading family support charities, we work alongside families with young children who are experiencing challenging times, helping parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and create happier, healthier home lives. Through our dedicated team of staff and trained local volunteers, we provide practical and emotional support through regular home visits, empowering families to overcome difficulties, build resilience and create brighter futures for their children. Our work also includes delivering a range of community-based groups and activities that reduce isolation, strengthen local connections and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children, parents and families across the London Borough of Merton.
As Home-Start Merton continues to grow and respond to the evolving needs of families across the borough, we are seeking to recruit an additional Family Support and Volunteer Coordinator to join our dedicated and passionate team.
For more infor please visit: About us | Home-Start Merton

Trustee Opportunities – Home-Start Merton

For more than 33 years, Home-Start Merton has been supporting families with young children across the borough, helping them through some of life’s most challenging times. We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and that no parent should have to face difficult times alone.

Home-Start Merton provides tailored in-home volunteer support to families experiencing a range of challenges, including isolation, poor mental health, domestic abuse, financial pressures and the demands of raising young children. In addition, we deliver community-based programmes that bring families together and support children’s development.

Our purpose is to provide compassionate, non-judgemental support that builds confidence, strengthens relationships and helps families develop the resilience they need to thrive. Our highly trained volunteers and experienced staff work alongside parents, empowering them to create positive and lasting change for themselves and their children.

We are proud of our reputation as a trusted and respected local charity and are now looking to welcome new Trustees to our Board. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of Home-Start Merton and ensure that families continue to receive the support they need.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, effective governance and appropriate oversight, helping Home-Start Merton to fulfil its charitable objectives and maximise its impact for children and families.

Our current Board comprises of five Trustees with a diverse range of skills and experience, united by a shared commitment to good governance and improving the lives of families in Merton. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first board role, we would be delighted to hear from individuals who share our values and are passionate about making a difference.

What We Offer

  • A supportive six-month induction programme.
  • Relevant training and ongoing development opportunities.
  • Six Board meetings each year, with most meetings held online.
  • Occasional face-to-face meetings at our office in Wimbledon.
  • The opportunity to contribute to one of our two bi-monthly sub-committees:
    • Quality, Performance and People (QPP)
    • Funding, Fundraising and Risk (FFR)

Both sub-committees meet online.

We Would Particularly Welcome Individuals With:

  • Parenting or caring experience.
  • Relevant lived experience.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Fundraising knowledge or experience.
  • An understanding of the voluntary and charity sector.

Above all, we are looking for people who share our commitment to giving children the best possible start in life and supporting families to flourish.

To find out more about our work and read our latest Impact Report, please visit – www.homestartmerton.co.uk.

How to Apply
Please download and complete the Trustee Application Form  and return it via email to Irene Drivilas (Charity Director) – irene@homestartmerton.org

Or please contact Irene for any further information.

Closing date for applications: 31 July 2026

Creating New Experiences Together at the Wimbledon Qualifiers

Families supported by Home-Start Merton recently enjoyed a memorable day at the Wimbledon Qualifiers, thanks to the generosity of Wimbledon Community and Learning Team.

For many of the parents and children who attended, this was a completely new experience. From stepping onto the grounds of one of the world’s most iconic tennis venues to taking part in tennis activities and watching professional players compete, the day offered an opportunity to experience something they may not otherwise have had the chance to enjoy.

At Home-Start Merton, we understand how important positive shared experiences can be for families. Days like these provide more than just a fun outing; they create opportunities for families to spend quality time together, build confidence, and make lasting memories.

The event was filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for children and parents alike to get involved. It was wonderful to see families trying new activities, enjoying the atmosphere, and sharing such a special experience together.

We are incredibly grateful to Wimbledon Early Years for making this opportunity possible. Partnerships like these help us broaden the experiences available to the families we support and ensure that more local children and parents can access enriching activities within their community.

Thank you to Wimbledon Community and Learning Team for helping us create new experiences and lasting memories for families across Merton.