MORE volunteers have been trained to give parents a helping hand.

The 11 new volunteers have just completed their Home-Start Kennet preparation course and are ready to be carefully matched with local families who have requested the home visiting support service.

There are now about 40 volunteers visiting families in Tidworth and other parts of the former Kennet area.

For 26 years Home-Start Kennet volunteers have been visiting families every week to work alongside parents who are struggling with challenges such as isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability or just finding parenting a struggle.

They provide non-judgemental practical and emotional support and help build the family’s confidence and ability to cope. Last year 55 families were supported.

Home-Start Kennet would like to hear from anyone with parenting experience who would like to volunteer.

Men and women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

After training, the usual time commitment is half a day per week.

Expenses are paid and criminal record checks and two references are required.

The next preparation course begins on 24 January 2014.

For more information, visit homestartkennet.co.uk or contact the office on 01672 569457.