LOCHGELLY Home Start, which provides key support for young families in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, has launched a new project to assist young mums suffering from cancer.

Home Start has been an important feature in the area since it started at the Grainger Street base many years ago and now based at BRAG's Crosshill Centre, it has 20 volunteers a week going out to give young local families the assistance they need.

The charity's Susan Capaldi, Tracy McCann and Sharon Colville, were guests of Cowdenbeath Rotary Club on Thursday to explain how the services they provide work and about the new project.

Susan said: "Home-visiting support is at the heart of what we do.

It is a solution we have adapted and refined over 40 years and it has remained at the core of our service since 1973.

"Home-Start volunteers help families facing isolation, the effects of post-natal illness, disability or mental health issues, bereavement, multiple births, poverty or financial difficulties, or a whole range of other challenges.

"After meeting with the family to discuss their specific needs, Home-Start will match the family to a volunteer.

"The help we give each family is unique and depends entirely on their circumstances, requirements and what they want help with".

Tracy explained how Home Start volunteers were there to give new parents help through visiting as family in their own home for around two hours per week with the aim of supporting them as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for the children.

Sharon explained that the new project which has been launched is the Wednesday Group for Young Mum's Living with Cancer.

Susan said: "We have three young mums, 30 or younger, who suffer from cancer and can find looking after small children a handful.

"Our Wednesday Group is geared to offering support for the mums in any way they require on the day and it gives them the chance to enjoy each other's company and talk about things that have come up which they can be assisted with.

"It has only just started but already the mums are feeling the benefits of the Group."

Home-Start Lochgelly is always looking for volunteers who could provide support for young families. To be suitable you have to be a parent or have parenting experience; you must have anon judgemental attitude and understand that the support you provide is completely confidential.

Training is provided before you are put in contact with your first family.

The rotary club members were very keen to support Lochgelly Home Start with anything, from funding to help with administrative matters.