A CHARITY previously forced to turn away desperate families due to a lack of staff has now secured funding to recruit new volunteers.

Over the past year Home Start West Dorset, which works with families with children under five, has had to turn away 29 families in need, because they simply didn't have enough volunteers to send out.

However, due to some recently-secured funding, the charity is now holding two new volunteer training courses in a bid to bolster its ranks.

Helen Horsley, senior organiser at the charity, said: "During the past 12 months we've been working with 82 families and 184 children.

"However, there are many families still asking for our help - particularly in the Weymouth, Portland and Bridport areas.

"With so many issues causing anxiety and stress these days, we know that our volunteers can make a huge difference.

"Often parents tell us that their weekly two or three hour visits have provided a lifeline in a particularly difficult time."

Home Start West Dorset, based in Poundbury, Dorchester, is a local independent charity offering friendship, advice and practical support to families who live in the west of the county, Weymouth and Portland.

Families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues receive the support of a volunteer who will spend around two hours a week in a family's home.

Volunteer Pat Barwell, who has worked with the charity for the past three years, said: "I think it is an amazing organisation and incredibly supportive of both the families it helps, and its volunteers.

"I thoroughly enjoy my visits, but also love being able to go back into the community and share my experience as a parent.

"I don't currently have any grandchildren, so being able to help out with someone else's children, and knowing I can make a real difference, is definitely a great substitute for now."

The only criteria for a volunteer is that they need to have had parenting experience and two to three hours to spare each week.

Male volunteers are just as welcome as female.

The training course, which will be held in Weymouth, lasts ten weeks and can be converted into a Certa Level 2 qualification.

Visit homestartwestdorset.com or call 01305 265072 for further details.