A NEW batch of recruits have completed a preparation course to become volunteers for the Home-Start charity.

Volunteers and Home-Start representatives from the Tavistock, Okehampton and Hatherleigh children's centres met recently at Kingdon House, Tavistock, for a joint training session and to celebrate the end of the course.

Home-Start West Devon is a voluntary organisation providing free support, friendship and practical help to families in the borough with at least one child under five, who are experiencing difficulties.

Families are visited regularly in their own homes by volunteers who all have experience of parenting and who have all attended the Home-Start course of preparation, covering topics such as child safeguarding, confidentiality and listening skills.

The national preparation course is well respected among local agencies and enables volunteers to support families experiencing a number of difficulties, including isolation, post-natal illness, children's behavioural problems, relationship difficulties and lone parenting.

The course offers a chance to develop new skills, make new friends and have lots of fun, as well as adding new experiences to add to your CV.

If you are prepared to give two to four hours a week of your time phone 01822 614232 to find out more about becoming a volunteer.