Home-Start Spelthorne
We're there for parents when they need us the most,
because childhood can’t wait.
About Us – Meet our Staff
Home-Start Spelthorne is a local charity set up in 1996. Home-Start Spelthorne has continued to grow and fulfil a need within our local community. We are affiliated to the national organisation Home-Start UK, but are independent, autonomous and responsible for our own management and for raising our own funds. Home-Start UK provides advice and support together with a stringent Quality Assurance review process to ensure the scheme operates effectively.
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes, thus helping to prevent family breakdown.
Staff and Trustees
The charity is run by a board of Trustees who are volunteers from diverse backgrounds with particular skills and an interest in children. Our Trustees are responsible for the management and direction of the scheme.
Currently, we have eleven trustees and five members of staff, together with a network of trained volunteers who carry out the home-visiting parent support service
Staff
Michelle Herring
Manager
Michelle joined the Home-Start Spelthorne family in March 2022. Bringing over 35 years experience working in the private, public, and charitable sectors improving outcomes for children. As a trained Childcare and Education professional and qualified teacher. Michelle has developed an expertise in Neurodiversity and Safeguarding through lived experience and extensive training.
Michelle supports our wonderful team to provide the highest standard of care for the families we at HS Spelthorne are privileged to support, treating them with respect and as the individuals they are.
Debs Dennehy
Family Support Co-ordinator
Debs joined Home-Start Spelthorne in March 2020, just as the Covid lockdown hit. Prior to that, she was a ‘stay at home mum’ for three years, and volunteered with her local NCT branch.
Debs was first introduced to Home-Start Spelthorne by her mother who was a home-visiting volunteer some years ago. Debs says that Home-Start is in her blood!
Bernie Jones
Family Support Co-ordinator
Bernie has been a Family Support Co-ordinator with HS Spelthorne since 2022. She lived in Spelthorne for 35 years and, although recently moved, she wanted to continue to support families within the borough.
As a former Lecturer in Early Years within the Further Education Sector, Bernie is an advocate for the rights of young children and their families. She is passionate about families being supported during difficult times in the important early years through the support of HS.
Hazel Want
Office Co-ordinator
Hazel has worked at Home-Start Spelthorne since 2004. She is usually the first point of contact, by phone or email for our families, volunteers and referrers. Hazel assists in the day to day running of the office, and provides admin support to the whole team, including the trustees.
Hazel says she finds her job a very rewarding experience, helping the team support Spelthorne families. She particularly enjoys getting to know all our amazing volunteers.
Becky Snow
Group Co-ordinator
We were delighted to welcome Becky Snow to the Home-Start Spelthorne team in April 2026.
Becky joins us as our Group Co-ordinator and has taken on the lead role for our Stay and Play sessions at the Family Centres, as well as supporting our Baby Bubbles group.
Becky is a qualified teacher and special educational needs coordinator who has worked in schools over the past 13 years. She is passionate about supporting children and families to thrive. As a mum to two girls herself, Becky understands the joys and challenges of family life.
Next: About Us – Meet our Trustees and Patron
