Who We Are – Staff | Home-Start Kernow

Jo Scrimgeour

Chief Executive

Hi, I’m Jo and I have a background in education and spent over 16 years working and leading in primary education settings. Most recently I have worked in early years and parenting support with young parent families across Cornwall. I’m passionate about all babies and children having the best start in life. I have two children myself and when I am not working, I love to head out with our dog and explore the amazing place that is Cornwall.

Clair Sim

Volunteer Lead

My background is in early years teaching and outdoor learning. Over the last fifteen years I am lucky enough to have taught in schools and nurseries both here in the UK and in New Zealand. I feel privileged to work with our compassionate, dedicated volunteers and witness the incredible impact they have on the families they are matched with. Supporting and empowering parents when they need it most can have such positive outcomes for the happiness and wellbeing of the whole family.

Richard Lawrence

Operational Lead

I worked in primary education for 28 years, 16 of which as a headteacher, and I value the importance for children of a good start to life for their well-being and future success. Every child in every family deserves the best start. I am a father of two myself and enjoy sport and outdoor pursuits in our wonderful county.

Sam Hawke

Lead Family Support Coordinator, Mid Cornwall

I’m passionate about working with families and facilitating positive outlooks for those who need that extra emotional support. With extensive school educational background and 2 children of my own, one of which has high functioning autism, I am experienced in special needs as well as mental health having worked through post natal depression and crippling anxiety to emerge stronger and equipped to help as many families as I can.

Homestart Kernow has captured me with its ethos and I feel honoured to be able to develop the role into family hubs and clinics so we can get the Homestart message out there: we’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.

Claire Smitheringale

Lead Family Support Coordinator, Mid & West Cornwall

My background is mainly within Education and Family Support. I’m a sociable person who enjoys meeting local families within group and home visiting situations. I’m very fortunate to work with many wonderful volunteers and I relish seeing the positive impacts that this volunteer support and friendship can bring.

Sharon Sproull

Lead Family Support Coordinator, North Cornwall

I have 25 years of experience working with children and families in education, local government and the charity sector. I enjoy working with parents and seeing them find new confidence in themselves.

When I’m not at work; I enjoy spending time with my family, swimming and singing.

Julia Mitchell

Lead Group Coordinator

I love seeing what a difference peer-to-peer support makes. I feel privileged to welcome families in our groups, work with amazing volunteers and watch them all develop together.

Claire Allin

Family Support Coordinator, North & Mid Cornwall

My background is working in the voluntary sector. Most recently I have delivered nature sessions with families. I am a mum of 3 and know how amazing and overwhelming parenting can be. I love working at Home-Start because and I am really passionate about early years and giving babies the best start in life. In my spare time I love being outside exploring.

Carol Blair

Family Support Coordinator, West Cornwall

Gemma Commons

Family Support Coordinator, Mid Cornwall

My background is in mental health and family support. I have a real passion to empower families on their parenting journey any way I can. I have three neurodiverse children who help me see the world through different perspectives. When I’m not in work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family

Jo Curd

Family Support Coordinator

I have 10 year’s experience as a primary school teacher and have set up & run my own toddler group where I live. I have a lively 9yr old. I volunteered for Home-Start Kernow before taking on this role. I have always had an interest in education and child welfare.

Stacey Dowden

Family Support Coordinator

I am a self-diagnosed people person. I just love working with others. Chatting, listening, caring and supporting where I can are some of the best parts of my job! When I am not working, I am being mum to my own children. We love food, nature, the coast, music, friends and cups of tea. I am a keen baker and gardener, and I enjoy physical activity minus running!

Svenya Haffenden

Family Support Coordinator

My background is teaching, sports development and most recently offering alternative provision in the charity sector for almost 8 years. I am a Mummy of two who keep me on my toes and teach me new things about myself ALL the time. Home-Start’s values really resonated with me for all sorts of reasons and I feel privileged to be part of the team.

When I’m not in work I like to spend time with my family at the beach, spinning, doing something creative or catching up with friends

Amy Kirk

Family Support Coordinator

My background is in education, having been a primary school teacher for 6 years. My first role working with children as an outdoor activity instructor showed me how important and valuable early childhood experiences are and now I am in a position to support families to achieve their own positive experiences for their children.

Alongside this I also teach swimming lessons and any spare time I have left over is taken up by my crazy and very excitable puppy!

Katie Scott

Group Support Assistant

Kirstie Davies

Data & Impact Officer

After 13 years working in the data analytics and finance sectors in London, I returned to Cornwall to raise my children. After several years volunteering in the community whilst my children were young, I realised that supporting families was where I wanted to be. I joined Home Start Kernow, where I crunch numbers, create spreadsheets and hang out with our wonderful team.

I enjoy crochet, cold water swimming, dog walks and family time.

Katie Hosking

Communication and Fundraising Lead

I deal with communications, engagement and fundraising for Home-Start Kernow. A big part of my role is marketing and advertising, alongside this I run the internal and external comms, including the social media platforms and the website. My background is in Non Profits, working for both the RSPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary.

For all media and press enquiries please contact info@homestartkernow.org.uk

Emma

Business Systems Lead

Prior to joining the amazing team here, I spent over ten years working in senior management and teaching roles within the early years education sector and am passionate about the value of early intervention and support for families. My responsibilities within the team include HR, data and finance.

I enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, including swimming, kayaking and walks along the coastal path, particularly if there’s a nice pub at the end of it!

Belinda Burkin

Administrative Assistant

I have worked in support roles in the voluntary sector for over 15 years, mainly in Human Resources. I have also previously worked as a PA or Administrator in local government (including Child Care Services), the Probation Service and the NHS, and I enjoy the technical aspects of such roles as well as the human element. With Home Start Kernow, I knew I was joining a great team of people who really make a difference. My job involves providing administrative support to all aspects of service delivery and management, and I work closely with Emma, our Business Systems Lead.

Outside work I enjoy singing in a choir, other music events, and community activities such as litter picking. I like spending time in nature and attempting to make my garden more wildlife-friendly, particularly for our bees and other beneficial creatures