A Dursley mum has told of the amazing boost it has been, seeing her design printed on a t–shirt sold online by a major British fashion and lifestyle brand, to raise money for family charity Home-Start UK. Cheryl Hunt entered a competition to design a t-shirt after White Stuff approached Home-Start UK asking for mums supported by the charity to get involved in the project as part of the brand’s campaign to empower women.
Three mums had their artwork chosen in the competition, which have now been turned into White Stuff t-shirts, with all profits going to the national family support charity, which helps parents going through tough times.
Cheryl, who was supported by Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester, said: “When I received the email that my design had been shortlisted I was shopping. I actually did a little dance. I called my husband straightaway. It felt like a dream. To actually have someone say that what you’ve produced is good, really makes me believe in myself. Home-Start has made me feel so much more confident in my role as a mum, and now White Stuff has made me feel confident in my ability to expand my world beyond my home.”
Paula Bonham-Carter, Buying and Design Director at White Stuff, said: “We wanted to make this a fun and creative competition where everyone felt they could have a go. The designs we’ve chosen are superb and we hope the t-shirts have given the mums who designed them a big confidence boost, as well as inspiring others to push themselves out their comfort zone and try something new.”
Home-Start Stroud and Gloucestershire is one of more than 180 Home-Starts across the UK which supports parents with young children going through difficult times. By matching the parents with a trained volunteer, families are supported on a wide range of issues including postnatal depression, bereavement, coping with twins, physical disabilities, isolation, anxiety and financial worries.
If you would like to become a Home-Start trained volunteer, please email: Enquiries@homestartsd.org