Be Richmond is shining a spotlight on one of the borough’s most quietly effective charities as it champions the work of Home-Start Richmond Kingston and Hounslow (RKH), which has been supporting families across Richmond upon Thames for more than thirty years.

Founded in 1995 as part of the national Home-Start network, the charity was created in response to growing demand for practical and emotional support for parents with young children. 

Since then, it has supported more than 3500 families and positively impacted over 6400 children across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. As pressures on young families increase, so too does the need for early, compassionate intervention.

In Richmond upon Thames, Home-Start RKH works with families who have children under five and are experiencing challenging circumstances. 

These can include parental isolation, mental health difficulties, financial strain, disability, domestic abuse or simply a lack of support networks. 

Through weekly home visits, walk and talk sessions and family groups, trained volunteers provide non-judgemental support tailored to each household.

The impact is often profound. One Richmond parent described Home-Start as ‘an actual lifesaver’ during a period of severe stress and mental health struggles. 

Another, who became disabled following the birth of her second child, spoke of how her volunteer enabled her to bond with her baby and regain confidence as a parent during an intensely difficult time. 

“Our volunteer completely enabled me to be the parent I wanted to be,” she said. “It gave me the time and motivation to be present despite the challenges I was facing.”

Be Richmond, the Business Improvement District for Richmond town centre, is encouraging local residents and businesses to get involved. 

“Home-Start RKH is exactly the kind of organisation that underpins our strong and resilient community,” said Eleanor Miller, Marketing and Communications Manager at Be Richmond and former Home-Start family volunteer. 

“Their work supports families at a crucial stage in life, often before challenges escalate.

“As a Business Improvement District, we recognise that thriving town centres depend on thriving communities. 

“We are proud to highlight the charity’s impact and to encourage our member businesses and local residents to get involved in whatever way they can,” she added.

Volunteers are the backbone of the charity’s model, with individuals asked to give two to three hours a week following a six-week training programme. Businesses can support through fundraising, sponsorship and long-term partnerships.

On a local business level, Home-Start RKH is being supported by two Be Richmond member businesses – William Grant & Son and Third Space – whose employees are taking part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Both employers will  be match funding their employees’ final donations. .

The charity will take part in its Champions for Children appeal from 2 to 16 June, when donations will be match funded. 

For more information or to discuss volunteering or partnership opportunities, contact Sarah Villegas at sarah@homestart-rkh.org.uk