Family charity calls for volunteers as it launches in West Suffolk

West Suffolk residents are being encouraged to make a 2015 pledge to donate some of their time to help other families.

St Edmundsbury Borough and Forest Heath District Councils are backing the launch of leading family support charity Home-Start, which helps families in times of need, in West Suffolk.

The charity is calling for volunteers with parental experience to donate two to three hours a week to support families in their own homes.

Forest Heath cabinet member for families and communities Robin Millar said: “We all know of families who may be struggling, perhaps because of adapting to having a new baby, relationships coming to an end, the stress of bereavement or the impact of financial difficulties.

“Home-Start is looking for people who can visit families, talk through what they have learnt from their own life experiences and point them in the direction of the help that is out there.”

St Edmundsbury cabinet member for health and communities Sara Mildmay-White said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of those families in our area who, for whatever reason, are struggling - but it needs volunteers to succeed.

“Home-Start is about getting out into the communities to help these families before they reach breaking point.”

To find out more email office@homestartmidsuffolk.org or call 01379 678552.