FAMILIES in South Gloucestershire will benefit from a £145,000 Big Lottery grant.

The charity Home-Start Bristol has been awarded the grant to help support families with young children.

The money will fund a new project called ‘Families on the Edge’ which focuses on the areas bordering Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The charity welcomes the five year grant to help support struggling families with at least one child aged five years or younger.

Scheme Manager of Home-Start Bristol, Beverley Symonds, said: “‘I am thrilled that we have been successful in securing this five year grant from the Big Lottery. We have worked in South Gloucestershire for many years but this substantial grant will enable us to reach even more families, helping them to find solutions to their problems.

“Families welcome our volunteers into their homes because they all have parenting experience and understand the challenges of family life.”

Home-Start Bristol’s ethos is to focus on working with young children and their families as studies suggest the early years of a child’s life are crucially important.

The charity’s network of volunteer parents and grandparents give two to three hours a week to support and offer friendship to families.

One of the fathers helped by a Home-Start Bristol volunteer said: “Having our volunteer come into our home was very important. Although it was only for a short period of time, it was perfect timing.

“When I was physically strained, emotionally drained – you guys were there. When my wife is fully recovered I hope someday I can do the same and give something back. Thank you so much.”

Home-Start Bristol is managed by a board of volunteer trustees and is funded by authority grants and trusts.

The Big Lottery Fund awards grants from the national lottery each year to community groups and projects that improve health, education and environment.

To volunteer for Home-Start Bristol call: 0117 950 1170 or visit www.homestartbristol.org.uk.