Additional volunteers are needed for a local charity which works to help families with young children.

Home-Start had to turn away 29 families during the year because the organisation, which works in West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland was at its capacity.

It is now asking for more volunteers to step forward – especially in Weymouth, Portland and Bridport areas.

During the course of the year volunteers worked with 82 families and 184 children.

Many (60per cent) were suffering from mental health issues around depression and anxiety and finding it difficult to cope.

“We know that having a weekly visit for two or three hours is making a difference.

“Families are getting out more into the community giving their children a wider experience and developing their social skills,” said senior organiser Helen Horsley. She said that the volunteer team of around 50 had carried out 900 visits and offered 2,133 hours of support during the year.

“We are proactively looking to increase the number of volunteers through a recruitment campaign...having received funding to enable us to offer our 40 hour preparation training in the Weymouth and Portland area. Further work and a second preparation course will be offered in Dorchester if there is a need.”

Chairman of the Trustees, Stella Jones, said that like other organisations Home-Start had suffered cuts and started the year with a smaller staff and less income.

“But as the county council finds it financially harder to maintain their Children’s Services we know the demand for Home-Start is growing all the time.

“We hope to be able to have the capacity to support more in the future.”

She said that further cost-savings included a move from the Poundbury office to cheaper accommodation elsewhere and that community fund-raising was being stepped up to fill a gap left by a loss of some grant funding.

“Fund raising is so important, not only because it raises money, but it keeps our name in the community.”

Trustee Andrew Bailey said that increased fund raising and tighter management of the budget saw a 2per cent increase in income during the year, to £121,000; and a drop in expenditure by 16 per cent to £114,000.

“It has placed us on a much stronger footing as we go into the current financial year,” he said.

Mayor of Dorchester, David Taylor, said he was considering becoming a volunteer after sitting in on the meeting : “I’ve been amazed at your professionalism and feeling of togetherness.” he said.

The next training course starts at Weymouth College on September 25th with weekly sessions 9.30am until 2pm, excluding school holidays.

For details about volunteering contact Home-Start on 01305 265072; email office@homestartwestdorset.co.uk or visit the website www.homestartwestdorset.co.uk