Ref. 28157-63Bringing up young children is more than a full time job - and sometimes parents need a helping hand.

That is where Homestart comes in - a charity which supports families with under five-year-olds in the Swindon borough.

Homestart has been running for 21 years and the Evening Advert-iser Christmas Appeal wants to give the organisation some much deserved presents.

Last year our appeal donated £300 to Homestart, along with lots of selection boxes.

We also supplied the volunteer workers with car seats for children, so they can help transport their clients.

Jan Aylward, 56, from Cricklade, has been the manager of Home-start for the past 14 years.

She said: "I love the job. It is such a worthwhile service and so rewarding when you see families benefit from our work."

Volunteers offer parents practical help and support and have worked with around 120 families this year.

Mrs Aylward said: "Sometimes single mums need an extra pair of hands. We also encourage families to get involved with the community and aim to build their confidence."

Homestart has 43 volunteers who make weekly visits to families throughout the borough. It is among the 11 charities the appeal will be supporting this year.

The other organisations to benefit are The Walcot Family Centre, West Swindon Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School, Brimble Hill Special School, The Otters Group and Swindon Women's Refuge.

Nationwide Building Society, based in Pipers Way, has already boosted the appeal with a cheque for £1,000. Collection boxes have now been placed around the Swindon borough, so donations can easily be made.

How to donate to the appeal

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number

0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in the following locations:

Sainsburys in Bridgemead

Sainsburys in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.

Victoria Tagg