HOME-Start East Lothian is celebrating becoming more than £23,000 richer thanks to John Lewis and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Home-Start UK was one of John Lewis’ charity partners during its 2020 Christmas campaign ‘Give a Little Love’ – FareShare was the other.

John Lewis sold a variety of limited-edition items as part of the campaign, with a portion of sales going towards both charities. With Home-Start, it was split between each of its branches across the UK.

People were also able to donate money or use their loyalty card in John Lewis or Waitrose stores.

Home-Start East Lothian’s first cheque for £1,155 went towards its Christmas provision and support it gave local families. A total of £115 of that money came from John Lewis staff in Edinburgh, with one making and selling face masks to her colleagues.

The second cheque, for £3,900, will be used to help the charity continue its work, including through yoga sessions, face-to-face baby massage classes and groups that aim to support mental health.

The cheque presentation was delayed due to Covid restrictions and lockdown at the start of the year.

Those at the Tranent-based charity added a thank you to everyone at John Lewis and all of those involved in fundraising, with senior co-ordinator Katie Pollock saying she was “delighted” to receive the money.

She added: “It’s great and we’re delighted. The money will be put to very good use.”

Meanwhile, the charity also received funding from the People’s Postcode Trust, which is funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The £19,932 it was awarded will help keep the charity’s family support worker in operation for another year, supporting and helping families in the community, including through one-to-one visits.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Home-Start has had to adapt how it delivers its provision, with phone calls and outdoor visits the main way this takes place. It is now exploring going back into people’s homes.

Katie said the charity had been busier recently with more referrals than normal, but it did not want to turn any family down and would continue helping people for as long as needed.

She added that funding like this allowed its work to continue for the families who needed it.

The charity is also looking out for more volunteers. Those interested can visit homestarteastlothian.co.uk/volunteer, call 01875 616066 or email admin@homestarteastlothian.co.uk