Our CEO, Sarah is passionate about ensuring parents and children have the strongest possible start in life, and has championed innovative, community-based approaches that make support inclusive and accessible.

Beginning her career in academic research, Sarah worked in the NHS before moving into the voluntary sector.  Inspired by her own experiences of early parenthood, she joined Home-Start Tameside as Development Manager in 2006.  Under her leadership, we have grown into a thriving, multi-borough charity supporting families across Greater Manchester.

Sarah has strengthened HOST’s impact through collaboration, forging partnerships across health, education, and the voluntary sector.  Sarah’s activity on the Mental Health Leadership Group and the GM School Readiness Board, and her role as VCFSE Lead for Perinatal and Parent-Infant Mental Health & School Readiness, mean she plays a key role in shaping policy and practice across Greater Manchester.  As part of this work,  Sarah pioneered Dad Matters at HOST –  now a national outreach programme helping fathers to build early relationships with their babies.

Sarah is known for her hands-on approach, often joining in community activities. In 2023, she joined staff, volunteers and supporters to complete the Manchester 10k, raising nearly £2,000 for HOST. Outside work, Sarah enjoys yoga and park-runs, valuing the friendships and community she finds through them.

‘We tip the balance in favour of parents and children by offering emotional, practical, and volunteer-led support. Our volunteers — often parents themselves — deliver compassionate, flexible support directly in families’ homes.’