A VITAL family support charity, which planned to close its doors due to lack of funding, has had a welcome cash boost from an anonymous benefactor. Home-Start South Hams, Plymouth and Tavistock last month announced its plans to close following a funding crisis after 15 years of offering one-to-one home visiting support to local families who are experiencing difficulties. However, a generous donor has secured the charity's existence for the short term, while more funding is found. Scheme manager Andrea Chandler said: 'We knew that unless we secured at least £20,000 we would have to close and we are so delighted that someone has seen the value of what we do. It is an amazingly generous gesture and, although we are not out of the woods yet, it means we have a further six months to try to secure some longer term funding.' With the pressure temporarily off, the charity is now able to plan its next volunteer recruitment. 'We have had to shrink the facilities available for a while to continue to provide the service while we look to find some more funding, but we are now able to recruit volunteers and offer training. 'We are looking at running a 40-hour training course in October and are particularly interested in volunteers who are able to support families from Tavistock and towards Plymouth, as this is where we are currently short. 'We would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering or supporting us in anyway. We are hopeful that, thanks to our benefactor, the service will be able to last another 15 years.' The charity believes that every child deserves the best start in life and that parents are the best people to ensure they get it. However, there are times when this can be difficult and so one-to-one peer, befriending support is offered. All volunteers have parenting experience and undertake initial training. They are offered regular on-going training and have supervision every eight weeks. Accreditation and career development support options are offered. Volunteers visit the family they are matched to every week for around two hours and offer emotional and practical support. The support is usually for up to a year and focuses on building confidence, supporting access and helping a family develop networks. The aim is to build the families' emotional and financial resilience. Anyone who has a few hours a week to spare and would like to volunteer, is asked to contact the office on 01548 854513.