Lottery saves parent group

The grant will allow work to carry on for the next three years

A charity offering support to struggling young families in Devon which was under threat of closure has been thrown a lifeline.

Home-Start is a national group which trains volunteers to help hard-pressed young families cope with anything from illness and disability to depression and loneliness.

But the organisation faced closure of its South Hams operation as funds ran out and all efforts to find new cash failed.

However, a lottery grant of almost £180,000 has secured its future for the next three years.

For many families, this simple type of support makes a world of difference

Home-Start

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation offering support, friendship and practical help to families at home with children under five.

The charity recruits, supports and prepares volunteers who are parents, grandparents or have parenting experience to visit families who are under pressure.

The money will mean the charity can continue to provide a helping hand to dozens of struggling parents in the area.

The organisation said it was grateful for the grant of £176,000 to allow it to continue its work.

It said: "For many families, this simple type of support makes a world of difference.

"While Home-Start does not have a magic formula to take all the problems away, parents tell us that having a friend to confide in, to cry with, to laugh with, to talk to, can make all the difference."