"THANKS for all the lovely gifts you gave me and the children at Christmas. They were very much appreciated. I am glad to know you all and to have your support".

This is not the only thank-you card which adorns the walls of the Blackburn Homestart office.

The writer is just one of many people whose stresses and strains have been eased by Homestart's dedicated team of volunteers.

The voluntary organisation, entering its sixth year, offers young families practical and emotional support and helps them to overcome and avert crises and breakdowns.

The team of 24 home-visiting volunteers are committed to visiting one or two families regularly. The role of the volunteer is complementary to the professionals and offers an informal, flexible approach to the families' needs.

Homestart helps people combat a range of problems such as depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, loneliness, inadequacy or sheer exhaustion. Donna Bailey began as a volunteer two years ago. She is now the acting senior organiser of Homestart, deputising for Sheila Butcher, who is on sick leave.

Donna is a prime example of how becoming a volunteer can enhance a person's career development.

To get support from Homestart, families must have a child aged under five. Referrals are usually made by health visitors and social workers, although there are also many self-referrals.

Homestart was formed in 1991 and now serves Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn. It also has a family group which meets regularly and allows children to play together.

Barbara Duxbury has been a volunteer for three years. "My two sons had just left home and I was feeling a bit redundant," she said.

"Most people I have seen have been one-parent families with young children who feel they cannot cope.

"Sometimes, I will look after their children to give them a break. Some young mums don't have any parents or grandparents around to look out for them.

"I treat these people like my daughters. They sometimes need teaching practical skills, such as how to cook."

Donna added: "I would stress that Homestart is strictly confidential. But we need more volunteers."

Homestart is keen to recruit more people for its impending volunteer preparation courses. Anyone interested should call Donna on 01254 692613.

EILEEN Grimshaw's life has blossomed since Homestart provided her with a vital lifeline.

The 36-year-old single mum was struggling to cope with her two children when she turned to the voluntary group for help.

And, after two years, a revitalised Eileen is now poised to become a volunteer herself.

"I wouldn't have said boo to a goose back then," she said.

"I was having problems with my family, so I got in touch with Homestart. I felt I was struggling to cope with my two children.

"But now my self-confidence has really improved. One of the best things about Homestart is that it is strictly confidential."

For two years Eileen was visited once a week by Donna Bailey - Homestart's acting senior organiser.

Eileen, who is from the Blackburn area, added: "I was having a really rough time and Donna would visit me once a week.

"I learned a lot of parenting skills and how to control my kids. I couldn't handle them before."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.