A family support charity has been given £38,000 to help parents in need as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Weston Mercury: Home-Start North Somerset's mother's support group in January, 2019. Picture: Home-Start North SomersetHome-Start North Somerset's mother's support group in January, 2019. Picture: Home-Start North Somerset (Image: Home-Start North Somerset)

Home-Start North Somerset has benefitted from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The grant will help the charity support more families who feel isolated, overwhelmed and anxious by offering park walks, phone calls and digital one-on-one sessions, as well as group support.

Angi, a mum who was matched with long-standing volunteer Jane, described what the support means to her.

She said: “The days Jane calls me are a blessing and fresh air to me, and my pain. I think daily how I could reward her because words are not enough to express the gratitude and respect I feel for her and the Home-Start team.”

Weston Mercury: Jane and Angi. Picture: Home-Start North SomersetJane and Angi. Picture: Home-Start North Somerset (Image: Home-Start North Somerset)

Home-Start has helped families since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak across North Somerset, and the charity works with those who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed and anxious and may be dealing with physical and mental health conditions which make these times challenging.

Volunteer Jane said: “In this family, I’ve learnt about a different cultural background and how people manage personal difficulties with such positivity and wanting to give to others.

“This chance to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my life so far and to share them with other families is an honour.”

The £38,000 grant will help the charity take its successful support group for mums with babies under one, Mums In Mind, online this autumn, which will renew connections and offer support for mums who need it most.

Home-Start North Somerset’s senior organiser, Julie Parsons, said: “We are urgently in need of more volunteers to support more local families who are finding things particularly difficult as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are enormously grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for this major contribution to our charity, which will mean we can do so much more for families across North Somerset in the coming months.

“For anyone who needs support or those interested in volunteering, talk to us to find out more. We are close-knit family team who would love to hear from you.”

To volunteer, visit www.home-startnorthsomerset.org.uk/volunteering/