Charity seeks help for families

11:46am Monday 12th May 2008

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Parents and people with parenting experience are being sought by the Home-Start Bradford charity to give friendship and practical help to families with young children.

Home-Start Bradford helped 148 families last year, reaching 384 children across the city.

Volunteers would be required to offer a few hours each week and would be given a free, ten-session preparation course, enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure, ongoing training and support, as well as out-of-pocket expenses.

Courses run throughout the year at the Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, Bradford, and other venues across the city. Most courses run during school hours although evening courses are held occasionally.

A spokesman for Homestart Bradford said: "Our volunteers work with families from all walks of life, helping them with any difficulties they may be having, whether it be isolation, relationship difficulties, a child's behavioral problems or ill-health.

"Volunteers support families and offer them friendship. Anyone who volunteers will be making a major difference to someone's life.

"The things we look for in a volunteer are a positive, non-judgmental attitude, a sense of humour and reliability. Ideally they will also be a parent. We ask for a minimum one-year commitment working four hours a week."

Home-Start Bradford can be contacted on (01274) 666711.

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