A PAISLEY mum is ecstatic after a design she created was printed on a t-shirt and sold online to raise money for charity.

Whitestuff, a British fashion and lifestyle brand, approached Home-Start UK asking for mums supported by the charity to be involved in a new project that aims to empower women.

Laura Ross entered the competition to design a t-shirt and was over-the-moon when her artwork was chosen along with two other mums.

Laura, who was supported by Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said: “My partner and dad always say they like what I draw but you never know if they are just being nice. I couldn’t believe that other people actually liked my stuff. I was so surprised when I heard White Stuff had selected my design. It’s given me so much confidence. I’m so excited to see what they do with my design. It’s been a lovely thing to be a part of and it’s made me realise I’m capable of so much more than I think I am.”

Home-Start UK is a charity that supports families through a range of issues such as; isolation, physical health problems, post-natal depression and bereavement amongst many more.

In September 2020 White Stuff donated £50,000 to Home-Start UK’s Emergency Relief Fund to help families needing additional support because of Covid-19.

Paula Bonham-Carter, Buying and Design Director at White Stuff, said: “We wanted to make this a fun and creative competition where everyone felt they could have a go. The designs we’ve chosen are superb and we hope the t-shirts have given the mums who designed them a big confidence boost, as well as inspiring others to push themselves out their comfort zone and try something new.”

There are more than 180 Home-Starts across the UK, parents are matched with a trained volunteer who helps and supports families through any issues they may be struggling with.

If you are interested in becoming a Home-Start trained volunteer, you can find more information at: https://www.home-start-renfrewshire.org.uk/