A group of local mothers which offers vital support and advice to struggling families is appealing for more volunteers to join them in their selfless work.
Family support charity Home-Start last week launched Real Parents, a campaign which calls on ordinary mums to help those finding it hard to cope with everyday life.
Single mum Sima Vaghela (pictured), from Brentford, started volunteering for Home-Start Hounslow two years ago and says it has increased her confidence and enabled her to get back to work after losing her job.
"Home-Start is brilliant," she said. "It helps not just the families, but also the volunteers who support them, it really helped me gain the confidence to get back in the workplace."
Home-Start volunteers help single parents who feel overwhelmed by their situation or families who are struggling with life and need some help or advice.
Sima, 42, of Green Dragon Lane, said: "Some people may be depressed or lonely and just need a friend. I just really wanted to help people. Even the smallest jobs, like helping someone fold clothes, can make such a difference."
Home-Start offers free, confidential and non-judgmental support through its home visits, and almost 25 per cent of families refer themselves.
Mum-of-four Salma Khan certainly has a lot of experience when it comes to raising a family and has been a volunteer with the charity for more than a year.
Salma, 40, of Elmwood Avenue, Feltham, said: "All my children are now at school all day so I have a lot of time on my hands, so this is perfect for me, especially as I have always been interested in social work.
"I was expecting them to ask me if I had some sort of experience but I think this is something anyone can do. It gives you a great sense of satisfaction, fits in well with your life and it does make a difference."
For more information visit www.realparents.org.uk or call 0800 068 6368.
