THERE is no rule book for raising a family, something of which Home-Start Herefordshire is well aware.

The charity, started in the county in 1982, has more than 25 years experience in helping young parents surmount many of the problems they can face when starting out in life with their young children.

With the best will in the world parents can find the task very challenging and, in difficult times, need someone to come along with a helping hand.

Home-Start Herefordshire does just that – its band of volunteers has supported and guided many hundreds of young families to overcome problems often out of their control.

Recently, some of the volunteers and grateful parents have put together a booklet filled with their own inspiring stories about what Home-Start has meant to them.

For Vee, a mother-of-two, seeking help was the best thing she ever did when she realised she needed support with two children under the age of two.

Judy, a volunteer and grandmother, feels privileged to have supported a family with a toddler and new twins.

Lisa needed help with a baby recovering at home from major surgery and says it proved invaluable. At a later stage, she will become a volunteer herself.

Sherry, another mother with a little daughter needed help when she was quite ill and needed a friend as her family lived far away.

Home-Start found that friend, who now “remains forever in the hearts and love of those she helped, loved and befriended”.

The stories range from those with the baby blues to those without family and friends nearby, and from the volunteers who fill the gaps.

“We have put the booklet together because because it is the best way of letting people know what we do in Home-Start.

“It informs people who would like to help Home-Start and the families who might like its help,” said recruitment co-ordinator Jo Grafton.

The book Making a Difference to the Lives of Families costs £2.50 and is available by calling 01432 371212 or from the office in the Fred Bulmer Building in Wall Street, Hereford.

n Meanwhile, Home-Start Herefordshire took a group of children and parents for a day out at Dinedor Camp near Hereford. The youngsters hunted for eggs, played games, climbed over tree trunks, had a woodland walk, rolled eggs and then had lunch while their mothers enjoyed hot cross buns.