Our volunteers visit families in their own home for up to 2 hours each week. They provide friendship, emotional support and practical help. This may take the form of reading to the children, accompanying Mum to a health appointment, providing a 'listening ear', help with household budgeting, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle. They become a role model to some families showing how positive parent-child interaction can bring joy back into the family and bring a smile to a child's face.

Stressful times affect us all from time to time and when families find they cannot cope with the difficulties they are having, this can often affect the welfare of the children. Children may become neglected, ignored and in some extreme cases abused. This gradual breakdown in the family unit and its values can often be avoided if the family receives help early. Early intervention can help reduce future problems like poor mental health, poor physical health and anti-social or criminal behaviour.

As a result of our service, parents and children have improved confidence, self esteem and a sense of self worth. They are better able to cope with the difficulties that affect them, and can move on with their lives. By gaining or improving their life skills (healthy activities, household management, budgeting) and improved parenting skills, they and their children have better life chances. Children are less at risk of neglect and have improved chances of growing into happy healthy youngsters.