A Tameside‑headquartered charity has been featured on BBC Morning Live this week as part of Comic Relief, highlighting the importance of support for fathers experiencing baby loss.
Home‑Start HOST appeared on the programme through the story of Ben Devall, who was supported by the charity after he and his wife, Poppy, experienced baby loss.
Ben was interviewed by EastEnders actor and Strictly Come Dancing star James Bye, who has spoken publicly about his own experience of infant loss with his wife, Victoria. Their conversation explored the emotional impact of baby loss on fathers and the importance of creating spaces where men feel able to open up and access support.
The programme also featured a walk‑and‑talk session, where Ben, James and Mike Gibbons—who has also received support—joined Home‑Start HOST family support coordinator Wesley Claridge as part of the Audenshaw‑based charity’s Dad Matters programme.
James said:
“My wife and I are proud parents to four beautiful boys, but our baby journey hasn’t always been straightforward. As a family we have experienced miscarriage, and that sense of loss at times can feel overwhelming.”
The feature highlighted Dad Matters, a pioneering programme founded in Greater Manchester by CEO Sarah Cook, which supports fathers’ mental health and helps dads build strong relationships with their children from the earliest stages.
As a charity rooted in Tameside, Home‑Start HOST supports families locally and across Greater Manchester, working with those facing challenges including isolation, mental health difficulties, financial pressures and loss.
Earlier this week, Ben also joined Greg James during his Comic Relief challenge, cycling 1,000km across the UK on a tandem bike to raise awareness. Now working as a teacher, Ben also volunteers with Home‑Start HOST, supporting other fathers across the region.
Following the national exposure, the charity is encouraging more people in Tameside to get involved through volunteering or fundraising to help reach more local families.
Sarah Cook, CEO of Home‑Start HOST, said:
“Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, particularly when families are facing loss, isolation or other pressures. For twenty years I’ve seen first‑hand the difference that compassionate support can make. Our volunteers provide practical and emotional help when it’s needed most.”
Home‑Start HOST relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, who complete a comprehensive 12‑week training programme recognised by the Investing in Volunteers award, alongside valued support from partner organisations and local community fundraisers.
Sarah added:
“Every volunteer and every supporter makes a real difference. Whether someone can give a few hours of their time, fundraise, or help spread the word, it ensures families don’t have to face difficult times alone.”
To find out more about volunteering, fundraising, or joining the Great Manchester 10K as part of Team Home‑Start HOST, visit: www.home-starthost.org.uk