Louise Sansom – Senior Manager

Working Days: Monday – Friday

I was delighted to re-join Home-Start Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton in February 2024 as Senior Manager. I first became aware of HSBBCN in 1994 when my mum became a volunteer. In 2017, when my youngest child started school, I began volunteering here too and was fortunate to become the fundraiser in 2019. I joined Home-Start UK in 2022 and was inspired seeing the impact of Home-Start on families across the UK, and knew I wished to return to a local charity.

I’m the proud mum of 2 children, who definitely remind me why the work we are doing is incredibly important – every child deserves a childhood that allows them to reach their potential. I am passionate about the way we support families so that they can parent in the best way possible for their children. Home-Start makes an incredible difference to families and I am honoured to be part of it.

Angela Esland – Organiser

Working Days: Monday – Friday

I joined Home-Start as a volunteer in Nov 2006 and the following year started working as Administrator for the Scheme. I continued to volunteer for another 8 years before successfully applying for an Organiser post. I very much enjoy working with our fabulous team of volunteers and seeing the difference they can make to the families that they are visiting. It’s lovely to see parents overcoming their challenges and growing in strength and confidence as support progresses.

​Karen Mullins-Blyth – Organiser

Working Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

My journey with the scheme began back in 2009. I feel so privileged to be working for such a worthwhile charity which makes a real difference to the lives of young families. I have previously worked with young offenders and in the private school sector. In the past I also volunteered as a trained motorcycle instructor for over 10 years. I live with my husband, son and daughter in a lovely village just outside Banbury.

Kim Wheddon – Senior Family Support Worker

Working Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

My background is in Early Years Education and Development, I have a strong belief that the early years of a child’s life are the most important in developing their everyday life skills. I very much enjoy supporting our families; it is very satisfying and rewarding, knowing that your support  and the support of the scheme makes such a difference to the  families’ day to day life skills.

Emma Ford – Fundraising & Communications Officer

Working Days: Monday – Friday

My initial involvement with Home-Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton began as a home-visiting volunteer in 2019. Having left my career in science to be a mum to my two daughters, I felt my passions aligning with the Home-Start ethos once they were both of school-going age. Parenting can be a tough slog and for some, having access to a wonderful charity like Home-Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton and their amazing volunteers, makes a big difference. Their caring, compassionate, friendly and non-judgemental approach is admirable. I spent a brief bit of time as the organisation’s administrator before taking time out to pursue a more family facing and community development role elsewhere, and now I am really happy and privileged to be back!

Siobain Belson – Community Engagement Lead

Working Days: Tuesday – Thursday 

Ansa Kausar- Stay & Play Facilitator

Working Days: Wednesday & Thursday

I’m a mum of 3 and live in Banbury, joining Home-Start as a Stay and Play Facilitator is a really rewarding role. I know the importance of the service we provide. As a mum I have used the sessions here at Home-Start and know first-hand how important they are for parents and young children. As well as providing an environment for children to have fun and learn, I believe as a Stay and Play Facilitator I can have the added reward of helping to develop connections between people in the community in a safe and warm environment.

Debi Miller – Administrator

Working Days: Monday – Thursday

I’m really pleased to be part of the Home-Start team. I bring experience from a variety of roles and sectors, but what’s always mattered most to me is supporting people and making a positive difference. Having lived in different countries and been part of a range of communities, I value how much strength there is in diversity and how important it is for families to feel seen, supported, and connected — whatever their background or circumstances. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming environment and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, so our team can focus on what really matters: supporting families through the ups and downs of everyday life. It’s a privilege to be part of the Banbury, Bicester, and Chipping Norton team, and to play a part in the vital work Home-Start does in the community.