Helen, 53, is one of an army of volunteers with Home-Start, a charity which supports parents who are facing tough times.

She signed up to Home-Start after a difficult time in her life, after she had lost her own son and retired from her teaching job and now she is helping others overcome their own difficulties.

She first came into Jenny Edwards' life when she was struggling alone to cope with four young children, while also going through a difficult pregnancy which made her too ill to walk them to school.

With only a few relatives in Preston to lend a hand, Jenny felt she was at the end of her tether.

She said: "It can seem like you're on your own. It got to the point where I was hardly going out of the house because it was hard getting beyond the front gate.

"Then Helen came round to support me, picking the children up and taking them out."

Helen now pops round once a week, lending a hand with whatever is most needed.

She could be covered in glitter glue as she makes a collage with Jenny's youngest children, helping the older kids with their homework or making a brew and lending a friendly ear to Jenny after a tough week.

Helen's visits may only last a few hours, but for Jenny they are a lifeline.

Now, Home-Start needs more volunteers like Helen to sign up for a few hours. They are particularly keen to recruit more men, but anyone aged over 18 who is a parent or has experience in childcare can apply.

Ann Gill was a Home-Start volunteer before she became manager of the Preston branch in Avenham.

She says: "It's for anyone who wants to do something different and give something back to the community.

"A lot of our families don't have an extended family to go to, and just want someone to listen and have a brew with them. They just need an extra pair of hands."

To find out more contact Ann on 01772 881331 or
e-mail seniororganiser@homestart-preston.org.uk

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