AN organisation which makes a real difference to local families has opened their new base on Cowdenbeath High Street.

Home-Start has a unique system which can offer key advice which helps parents deal with difficult situations through their volunteers.

The organisation started in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area in 1990 and has had a number of bases, the last of which was at BRAG in Crosshill.

But last midweek their new home at 170 High Street, was officially opened by convener of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Linda Erskine, who was joined by her colleagues Darren Watt and Rosemary Liewald.

Linda was assisted by Lucy and Jack, the children of one of the volunteers Hayley Saunders while volunteer of 20 years, Cathy Wright, cut a commemorative cake.

Councillor Erskine said: "Home Start has a proven record in delivering support, guidance and training objectives to safeguard, protect and preserve good health of children and parents.

"Home Start delivers because the volunteers are parents who have first hand experience of how hard life can be, they help others who are experiencing hardships and work to build confidence, giving families the skills they need to cope with living in 2018 to nurture their children.

"This organisation is all about people delivering help where it is needed, most and the people who support and work here and with families in their homes are dedicated to making a positive difference to the families they support.

"Homestart may have moved to fabulous new premises in Cowdenbeath but the staff and volunteers will continue to deliver what they do best, supporting parents and families learning to cope with the pressures of everyday life and give them the opportunities for better life chances."

Their three person management team of Susan Capaldi, Tracy McCann and Sharon Colvin, are delighted with their new home as are their 25 volunteers.

Said Susan, who has been with Home Start in Central Fife since 1994: "We have been in our new home for a few weeks now and being on such a prominent part of the High Street has created a lot of interest.

"We have had a good number of people expressing an interest in becoming volunteers since the move, which is encouraging but we never really have enough and we would welcome anyone interested to pop-in."

Tracy added: "We seek to appoint a volunteer to a family who is best suited for them and it is all about listening and offering the correct advice to make a difference.

"It could be any problem that comes up, we try to offer the right advice."

In addition to the weekly visits there are various groups meeting at the new base. The Parent Group meets on a Tuesday, the Baby and Toddler Group on a Wednesday morning; the Volunteer Drop-in Group meets on a Wednesday afternoon and there is also a Dance Group which meets weekly.

Added Susan: "We have been very encouraged by the sponsorship we have received from the business community and all in all we are delighted with the way things are developing."