THE Royston and South Cambridgeshire branch of Home-Start has taken on 10 new members after the volunteers completed an intensive preparation course. Volunteers who completed a detailed selection process and an intense 10-week course are now waiting to b

THE Royston and South Cambridgeshire branch of Home-Start has taken on 10 new members after the volunteers completed an intensive preparation course.

Volunteers who completed a detailed selection process and an intense 10-week course are now waiting to be matched with their first Home-Start family.

Senior co-ordinator Sarah Dixon said: "Home-Start offers its volunteers the opportunity to support families in the community and is willing to invest in the personal development of all who are involved.

"Having the new volunteers will help the families greatly and it will also shorten the waiting list of people who need support."

The 10-week course involved an introduction to the role of the volunteer and entailed home visiting, communication, and support.

Volunteer Sheila Elcock, from Fowlmere, said: "I have three children and know how difficult parenting can be. I want to help families and be there for them, be someone who they can talk too.

"I'm looking forward to being given a family and hopefully help to make a difference."

Karen Lewis, Home-Start co-ordinator, said: "Volunteers are so important and fundamental to the organisation.

"They make Home-Start and are worth their weight in gold.

"We've helped them build up a range of knowledge and introduced them to existing

volunteers, so they are in a good position now. They have to expect to deal with all sorts of issues and deal with a host of emotions.

"We are confident of their ability and we will make sure that they are all compatible with the families that they are matched with.

- If you are interested in becoming a Home-Start volunteer or require information call Sarah Dixon or Karen Lewis on 01763 242919.