WITHAM'S MP has met with a charity to talk about a network dedicated to supporting families and children.

Priti Patel has held a meeting with independent charity Home-Start Essex, which is part of the wider Home-Start UK network dedicated to supporting families with young children through challenging times. 

They offer a range of support which includes home visits, family groups, well-being services, telephone support and nursery and school readiness.

Ms Patel has supported Home-Start for more than a decade and has provided personal donations of practical resources for children and families. 

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She said: "Home-Start Essex has always been close to my heart, and over the last ten years, it has been a great honour to help and support them and local families through practical assistance and donations.

"Their teams are compassionate and caring, and over the years they have provided a lifeline to many local families."

Home-Start Essex chief executive Nic O’Brien said: "The increasing demand for our support is a worry, as is the strain on our funding and on our staff and volunteers.

"Working closely with key stakeholders is vital in guaranteeing that there is continued support that families need."