A NEW group to help families in trouble in the Malvern area was launched this week.

The Guesten Room at Lyttelton Rooms was full for the inaugural meeting of Home Start Malvern Hills on Tuesday (June 5).

Ruth Proctor, a regional consultant for Home Start, told the meeting about the group's work.

She said that for more than 25 years Home Start has been sending trained volunteers to help families in crisis who have at least one child under the age of five.

The volunteer goes into the home and offers the friendship, support and a breathing space, which can make all the difference between families breaking down and a positive experience of parenting.

The meeting, chaired by Heather Williamson, voted unanimously to adopt the constitution and apply for charitable status. A steering group was also elected.

Dr David Webster, of Upton surgery, and health visitors of the local primary care group were emphatic in their support, as was Coun Whinray Coates, Mayor of Malvern.

Also represented were the Lyttelton Well Counselling Service, Churches Together in Malvern, National Childbirth Trust, home and day carers, Malvern Maternity Charity, Justices of the Peace and child minders, together with potential volunteers.

When charitable status has been obtained, the steering group will seek funding to appoint an organiser and begin training volunteers.

n Heather Williamson will be guest speaker at Community Action's next meeting on Monday (June 11) at Holy Trinity Hall. The meeting is a chance for community organisations to meet and share information.

For more information, ring 01684 563872.