CHARITY Home-Start is looking for volunteers to offer a helping hand to families within the Worcester area.

Home-Start was founded 19 years ago to support families with pre-school children.

After receiving a Lottery grant in 2000, it was able to expand its services into Pershore, Evesham and Droitwich.

Home-Start has more than 100 volunteers who offer support to families with at least one child under the age of five.

"We offer support, friendship and practical help to any family," said Margaret Jones, the senior organiser.

''In a world where the extended family is a rarity, many young families feel isolated and lonely,'' she said.

Sharon Jenkins, a mother from Worcester received support from Home-Start during a period of illness.

"Home-Start is a lifeline for families like mine," she said.

Sharon felt compelled to give something back to the charity and became a volunteer herself - a job she finds "very rewarding".

"It's wonderful to go in and help somebody," she said.

The charity desperately needs volunteers to cope with the demand for the service it provides.

Volunteers need to have a family of their own so that they can they can share their valuable experiences with younger families.

''Elderly parents often express reservations about how much help they could offer,'' said Mrs Jones. ''But their wealth of experience in nurturing a family is just what Home-Start is looking for.

''The ideal volunteer would be someone of a caring and sympathetic nature who is non-judgemental.

"Home-Start is all about one parent helping another, being alongside and equal to them," said Mrs Jones.

Volunteers can attend a course of preparation running for 10 Wednesday mornings starting from September, 17 2003.

The course takes place at Goodrich House in Worcester and volunteers are paid out-of-pocket expenses.

The course offers volunteers the opportunity to meet experienced organisers and outside speakers.

Meetings are used to discuss issues surrounding family life and allow the charity to get to know the volunteers.

Home-Start has already helped more than 1,500 families.

If any parent or grandparent can spare just a few hours each week to continue the good work they are asked to contact Margaret Jones on 01905 29377.