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British RoyalsCoronavirusThe Edinburghs

Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Home-Start Corby

The Earl and Countess of Wessex paid a visit to Home-Start Corby on Wednesday to thank the staff and volunteers for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Home-Start, a network that provides support to new parents and young families during challenging times, has branches across the United Kingdom. In 2020, they supported over 56,000 families.

During their visit, Edward and Sophie met with staff and volunteers and toured the facilities to hear how the charity offered support to families during coronavirus lockdowns. They learned how Home-Start Corby created and distributed support packs to families. They then helped make up a few packages themselves, with supplies including pyjamas, bath bubbles, a storybook, a toy, a picture for children to colour called “Pyjamarama – Make Your Own Bedtime Star,” and a paper with nighttime routine suggestions.

“We were delighted to welcome The Earl and Countess. Their visit means so much to everyone,” said Maggie MacKay, Manager at Home-Start Corby. “Our volunteers do so much to support families, and it makes a huge difference to our community. It is wonderful to be able to acknowledge the work they do. We are passionate about supporting families, and it was lovely to share that during this special visit.”

Edward and Sophie were then presented with their own package, created by three-year-old Hope, who has been supported by Home-Start Corby. “When the world was advised to stay apart during the lockdown, our volunteer team pulled together ever closer and ensured the families of Home-Start were not alone,” said MacKay. “Families were offered emotional and practical support throughout as well as weekly calls and doorstep visits.”

Edward and Sophie then unveiled a plaque commemorating their visit.

“Home-Start has been supporting families across the UK since 1973, but during the pandemic, that support became more vital than ever. To have that hard work recognised today has been fantastic,” said Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.