4:31pm Tuesday 1st December 2009
By Andrew Napier
THE crucial work a Winchester charity does helping young families was outlined to councillors on the town forum.
Home-Start Winchester offers support to often-isolated families including mothers suffering post-natal depression.
The charity is the only one that regularly visits people in their home to offer emotional and practical support at no cost.
Anne MacPherson, co-ordinator, said there were currently 27 families on the caseload.
The charity was set up in 2005 and for three years received support from the National Lottery. That funding had stopped but the charity needs £30,000 to keep going.
In 2008-09 it made 2,399 home visits, with its 37 volunteers providing 4,500 hours of time. Some 49 families were supported.
Based at the Lanterns Children's Centre in Weeke, it celebrates its fifth anniversary in September 2010.
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