THE Droitwich branch of Home-Start, which offers support and friendship to families with young children, is celebrating its second anniversary.

It helps families who are going through a difficult spell due to things such as loneliness, relationship problems, multiple births or disability.

The branch now has 20 volunteers who give up a couple of hours a week to visit a family.

They offer friendship, support, understanding, reassurance and an extra pair of hands, if needed, to parents of children under five.

"I am so happy that we are coming up to the end of our second year and we are helping more families than ever," said organiser of Droitwich Home-Start Lyn Mason.

Backgrounds

Volunteers come from different backgrounds and vary in age but all have parenting experience.

They go through a careful selection process and a course of preparation before being matched with a family.

"We are running another course of preparation from September for 10 weeks, one morning a week.

"No qualifications are needed, just as long as they are or have been a parent. Everyone is welcome.

"We have been a victim of our own success in a way, as more and more families are coming to us for support so we need more and more volunteers."

Home-Start is holding a coffee morning in the Wesley Room of Droitwich Methodist Church, Worcester Road, on Saturday September 7, from 10am to noon.

If you would like to become a volunteer, ring Lyn on 01905 827108.