FAMILY support charity Home-Start South and West Devon are looking for volunteers in the South Hams.

The organisation, which offers one-to-one befriending and mentoring support to families with a child under 12, have been working in the area for 16 years..

Scheme Manager Andrea Chandler said: ‘We have families in need of support and really need more volunteers. We offer an initial eight training sessions, one per week, and once they are completed volunteers have access to ongoing training, including accreditation and regular one-to-one supervision.’

Lynne who has been volunteering for the scheme in Plymouth for the last five years explained what it has meant to her. ‘Knowing that I have made a positive difference to someone’s day is amazing. My grandchildren are hundreds of miles away and so it is nice to spend time with the children and mum. I always leave feeling uplifted.’

Helen volunteered for eighteen months before getting a place on a social work course. ‘Volunteering gave me an opportunity to get real experience working with families and the training stood me in good stead when it came to interview’ she said.

If you would like to know more about the scheme or are interested in volunteering contact the local Coordinator Katherine on 07599 073486 or ring the office on 01752 346039 or visit the website: www.homestart-southhams.org.uk