Home-Start is a family support charity, which has been working in local communities for the last 40 years. Across the UK, trained parent volunteers offer emotional and practical support to thousands of families in their own homes.

In Northern Ireland there are 24 local Home-Starts. Their 930 volunteers work with over 1,600 families and almost 3,500 children in diverse situations such as poverty, isolation, domestic abuse, disability and lone parenting. The charity supports families with long-term and often complex needs, as well as those requiring shorter term practical help. For many families, this support can prevent them from reaching crisis point.

You can make an online donation here.

Home-Start in Northern Ireland can be contacted by phone 0800 068 63 68, email info@home-start.org.uk or through the Home-Start website.

Listen again to the BBC Radio Ulster appeal on behalf of Home-Start.

Heather Knox, Director of Home-Start, talks about the work of the organisation across Northern Ireland, and the important role of volunteers in providing support for a range of families with young children.