New volunteers are needed to support struggling families with young children in Cirencester.

Home-Start Cotswolds is on the hunt for new volunteers to support families who are struggling to cope.

The charity matches families with volunteers who visit once a week in their homes and offer practical and emotional support.

Mum of three, Sarah, was diagnosed with post-natal depression after having her third child and moving to a new area.

She found the visits from her volunteer, Trish, were invaluable.

“I wanted to learn how to be part of the community and be a good Mum,” Sarah said.

“I always felt better after I had seen her and the mid-week lift carried me through until next time.

“I also had more to talk to others about, which gave me more confidence in who I could be and what my children could do.”

Volunteer Trish, who also has three children said: “Some weeks I would take the boys out for walks and to the park whilst Sarah got on with household jobs.

“We have enjoyed some fun days out together and sometimes I would be able to give Sarah some precious time with just one child away from the house.

“All this helped her to feel like a good parent, enjoying her children’s company and really being able to listen to them.”

Earlier this year, Home-Start Cotswolds were presented with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and were told that the judging panel had been impressed by the high level of satisfaction expressed by their volunteers.

The next training course to be a volunteer at the charity starts on Wednesday, January 23. If you have parenting experience and can spare two to three hours a week, call 01285 885391 or visit bit.ly/2SrYaaK and help a new mum enjoy the festival season.