Maureen honoured with HomeStart Longest Serving Volunteer Award

Maureen honoured with HomeStart Longest Serving Volunteer Award

13 April 2016

A DOWNPATRICK woman has been presented with a prestigious volunteering award for 21 years of service to HomeStart.

Maureen Kearney was presented with the Longest Serving Volunteer Award by the charity’s national ambassadors, Kirstie Allsopp and Alastair Stewart, at a national convention in Nottingham.

A volunteer with the family support service for 21 years, she was nominated by one of the many families she has helped through home visits in the Downpatrick area.

Maureen, who is the charity’s current chairwoman, said she was thrilled to receive the award although she did not feel the need to be thanked.

“What I get from volunteering is reward enough but I was delighted to receive the longest serving volunteer in Northern Ireland. I strongly believe in the work that Home Start does,” she said.

“I would highly recommend anyone with parenting experience to join the Home Start team and help families through challenging times.”

Home Start’s local manageress, Dorothy McMullan, said Maureen had helped many families in the district through difficult circumstances. 

She said she was also instrumental in helping the organisation function despite serious funding difficulties.

“As we celebrate our 25th birthday this year, Maureen has been at the helm and is battling to keep our two schemes open while our funding is cut,” she said.

“She has made a real difference to the lives of local families, creating a bank of childhood memories in the children’s lives she has supported. 

“Recently a teenager stopped her in the street and thanked her for the support she gave to his family years ago when he was a child. 

“He said they called Maureen ‘earring’ because of the big earrings she wore and told her they loved the days she came to visit.”

Home Start’s next training course starts on Friday, April 29, in Ballynahinch for all volunteers from throughout the district.

There will also be a fundraising pub quiz in aid of Home-Start Down District at the Lakeside Inn outside Downpatrick on Friday at 7.30pm.

The quiz will be £5 to enter and this will include a light supper. Teams of up to six, doubles and singles are welcome but must book beforehand with Margaret on 07789 208859.