Home-Start UK says more family support volunteers needed

Publishing a new briefing paper Family Support Services - The Role of Volunteers, the charity said volunteers are particularly important in the current economic climate.

The paper states that volunteers can help families grow in confidence so they move into work and out of poverty, also offering families a bridge into the community.

Home-Start is calling for the government to commit to sustaining and developing existing volunteering services, while also designating funds to help the charity respond to growing levels of demand across the UK.

Kay Bews, chief executive of Home-Start UK, said: "We want greater recognition of the role and effectiveness of volunteers in delivering family support services from national policymakers and local children's services commissioners."