A Cirencester-based charity is in need of more volunteers.

Home-Start Cotswolds provides support to families with young children who are having a challenging time.

The charity is looking for people to train as home-visiting volunteers in January.

When asked about the help her volunteer gave her, mum of three Clare said: "It meant the world to me that someone would give up their time, voluntarily, to help me.

"Knowing I had my volunteer coming round meant I could plan things that I didn’t feel confident to do on my own, like going into town to have my son’s feet measured or doing a supermarket shop.

"She gave me great advice, was interested in my family and me, and was totally non-judgmental.

"I looked forward to her visits each week and always felt so ‘light’ afterwards – like a burden had been lifted."

There are Home-Start schemes across the UK and the charity has had an increase in awareness-raising publicity over the past year. Gloucestershire-based actor Ben Miller recently raised £8,000 for Home-Start Cotswolds when he appeared on ITV’s Celebrity Catchphrase.

John Lewis and Waitrose are also currently working in partnership with the charity, as well as clothing retailer White Stuff.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for Home-Start Cotswolds should call 01285 885391, visit home-start-cotswolds.org.uk or go along to their coffee morning on Tuesday, November 23. This is being held from 10.30am-11.30am at Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, GL7 1YE.