The online retailer says the partnership is part of its commitment to support more than 500 UK families over the next 12 months.

Paul Kendrick, CEO of Studio.co.uk

Online retailer Studio.co.uk has announced it will be supporting the family support charity Home-Start UK in a year-long partnership.

The company, which employs over 1,500 people across its sites in Accrington, Clayton, Burnley, Chadderton and Failsworth, has a history of supporting charities at a national and local level and when the pandemic first hit, Studio helped frontline NHS staff across Lancashire by donating thousands of towels and pillowcases.

The business has also donated over 20,000 stationery and home learning items to 24 local schools and set aside 10% of sales of all Rainbow and Heart clothing items to the NHS Charities Together charity. Studio’s employees have carried out a number of fundraising events over the years including a jailbreak event to one colleague dressed as an elf for 30 days. The Home-Start UK charity was voted for by Studio colleagues, and a calendar of fundraising events is already being drawn up.

Home-Start UK’s network of trained community volunteers provide tailored support to around 56,000 children in 27,000 families each year. The charity understands that no two families are the same and helps those suffering from post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement, or people feeling generally overwhelmed to overcome any challenges they face.

Paul Kendrick, CEO of Studio.co.uk, said: “At Studio we want to support communities across the UK by helping them to thrive and we are therefore incredibly excited to be partnering with Home-Start UK. The charity has incredible passion and an outstanding track record in helping families and supporting them in getting back up on their feet and overcoming challenges they may face.

“Charity has always been important to us and the pandemic has served to highlight how vital it is for organisations like ours to give back.

Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, said: “We are delighted to be selected as Studio’s charity partner and look forward to seeing the impact this new relationship has on families and communities across the country.

“The pandemic and lockdowns have acted as magnifiers, exacerbating existing issues, presenting new challenges and creating additional pressure. It means supporting families is more crucial than ever. Our roots in communities mean we are well placed to reach families facing challenges. With the help of Studio we can reach even more parents who need our support.”