A charity giving families a fresh start by transforming their homes in times of need has been awarded £20,000.

Since being founded in 2021, “tiny but mighty” charity Dora Brown has been on hand to offer support to countless families in need in and around Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe.

Dora Brown’s army of self-described “sturdy girl” volunteers visit the homes of families referred to them, giving their homes a ‘reset’ to the homes of people who are struggling to cope, whether through mental health crises, poverty or any other difficulties they are experiencing in their lives.

Director Jo Revett said: “Our work gives families a fresh start in a clean, safe home. It also has a knock-on impact on families’ physical and mental health. Stress and overwhelm is lifted, confidence grows. Families are sleeping better, eating better, and crucially, they are able to have friends and family over, which reduces loneliness and isolation.”

A 'before' shot of a kitchen and dining area transformed by Dora Brown.A 'before' shot of a kitchen and dining area transformed by Dora Brown. (Image: Dora Brown) The home after volunteers had worked their magic. The home after volunteers had worked their magic. (Image: Dora Brown) A child's bedroom as it was before.A child's bedroom as it was before. (Image: Dora Brown) The bedroom is unrecognisable after volunteers had visited. The bedroom is unrecognisable after volunteers had visited. (Image: Dora Brown) A 'before' shot of a shared bedroom. A 'before' shot of a shared bedroom. (Image: Dora Brown) The finished result, with the beds nearly made and the clutter removed. The finished result, with the beds nearly made and the clutter removed. (Image: Dora Brown)

The difference their help makes to families cannot be underestimated.

“I didn’t think I’d ever have a bed,” said one recent client from near Ipswich.

“We are worn out, but in a good way,” said another client, also from Ipswich. “The kids were so excited when they saw the transformation so far, and my eldest was excited to have dinner at the table. We are struggling with restrictive eating and meal avoidance with him at the moment so this was wonderful.”

A client who they visited in June said that the best thing about Dora Brown was “how happy and motivational they were”.

“They helped me turn my house around and in that it has turned my moods and life around,” she continued. “I was just worried about the mess in my house and clutter but they didn’t judge me.

“I am happier, brighter, things are easier for me now.”

Right, Dora Brown's director Jo Revett, and left, the charity's project manager Sandrine Malfait.Right, Dora Brown's director Jo Revett, and left, the charity's project manager Sandrine Malfait. (Image: Dora Brown) A bedroom before a visit from Dora Brown.A bedroom before a visit from Dora Brown. (Image: Dora Brown) The room after volunteers have visited. The room after volunteers have visited. (Image: Dora Brown) A living room of a client struggling to keep on top of clutter. A living room of a client struggling to keep on top of clutter. (Image: Dora Brown) The living room afterwards, transformed. The living room afterwards, transformed. (Image: Dora Brown) A living room before Dora Brown had visited. A living room before Dora Brown had visited. (Image: Dora Brown) The finished result.The finished result. (Image: Dora Brown)

Now, the charity is celebrating, after being awarded £20,000 in National Lottery funding, which will greatly help the volunteers continue helping the families who need them.

“We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way,” continued Ms Revett. “Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to help more local families faster.”