DENBIGHSHIRE Home Start, a charity which supports vulnerable families throughout the county, has launched a recruitment drive.

The charity offers weekly visits of support, practical help and friendship to local vulnerable families.

Celia P Jones, a volunteer with Denbighshire Home-Start said: “Demand in this area is increasing we are now undertaking a recruitment drive for new volunteers who are desperately needed.”

Jill Baker, a specialist nurse and now a volunteer, said Home-Start provided her with an ideal volunteering opportunity when she retired.

Originally from Rhyl and now living in Llanrhaeadr, Jill believes that the value of volunteering in retirement is underestimated and the benefits of spending two to three hours a week with a family contributes to her own health and wellbeing.

Jill, who is now a trustee of the charity added: “I love children and wanted to use my existing skills to make things better in any small way I could. I realised very quickly when visiting families the reality of how many struggle and how important the work of Home-Start is.

“Home-Start volunteering is really worthwhile and I get so much out of it. It is not home caring. It is about working with families giving them support and friendship for the benefit of their children."

Jill added: “It is lovely to see positive outcomes and to form lifelong friendships even when Home-Start support is no longer needed. I am really lucky to share in my families’ lives.”