The Mayor of Bridport has chosen her charity of the year. 

Councillor Anne Rickard, who was officially elected as Mayor of Bridport in May 2024, has selected Home-Start Wessex as her chosen charity. 

Home-Start Wessex works to give friendship, advice and practical support to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Cllr Rickard said: "I have chosen Home-Start Wessex as one of my charities as it puts a focus on our young people.

"The charity fits perfectly with our town's Rights Respecting Status, requested by young students at Colfox School and written into Bridport Town Council's modus operandi since 2018.

"Still the only Rights Respecting town in the country, we are ever keen to ensure all rights are respected, and in this case of course, the very important rights of the child. This charity embraces this so well, and I am very pleased and proud to support it."

Home-Start volunteer with babyHome-Start volunteer with baby (Image: Home-Start)

The charity used to have a sister organisation Home Start West Dorset, however it closed its doors in November last year after being unable to secure sufficient grants to maintain its work.

READ MORE: Home-Start West Dorset charity in Dorchester closes down

Home-Start Wessex subsequently announced that it would be extending its reach to cover Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and Lyme Regis. Before this expansion, it covered Purbeck, Swanage and the BCP Council area, as well as the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire. 

Kathy Fryatt-Banks, CEO of Home-Start Wessex, said, "We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor of Bridport for choosing Home-Start Wessex as her charity of the year. Fundraising is a constant challenge, yet our service is in more demand than ever.

"This year, we supported over 500 families in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, 100 families more than last year, which was already a record year for us.

"This fundraising support will make a huge difference, enabling us to continue to help families going through major crises in their lives. Because childhood can’t wait." 

Cllr Rickard was confirmed at the Mayor Making ceremony at Bridport Town Hall on June 27. Mrs Rickard has taken up the role for the second time, having previously served as mayor in 2017.