A MOTHER of four has been put forward for a Pride in Our People Award for her sterling work in helping vulnerable families.
Rachel Lohan, of Bellevue Road, West Ealing, has worked for Ealing Homestart as a volunteer for five years and is also a co-chairman of the charity.
Homestart Ealing provides help and support to vulnerable families with young children.
Volunteers are assigned to a family and can either assist in raising the children or give guidance on how to claim benefits and solve financial problems.
Mrs Lohan was nominated by her co-chairman, Professor Alan Gillett. He said: "It is the first time I have had a co-chairman and she has proved indispensable. She also works with the families and has four children of her own, which gives her invaluable experience."
Rachel said: "It's very nice to be nominated, to have someone recognise that it's a lot of hard work. You do it because you want to."
She said she became involved after the birth of her fourth child and she wanted to do something positive.
She said: "I actually saw an article about Homestart in the Gazette and went for it by first becoming a trustee. Then I trained as a volunteer and that gives you a much better idea of what is involved.
"It can be quite daunting. Just because you have children doesn't mean you are cut out to help others. I loved it - that you can give support to someone who needs it at the right time, just being there for them."
* The organisation is currently appealing for more trustees so anyone interested with some spare time should contact Ealing Homestart on 020 8842 1617.
