A NEW resource centre for Home-Start Bury has been launched in Whitefield.

The volunteer-led charity has set up a new facility for families and volunteers at the Elms Community Centre.

The centre, in Green Lane, will offer a regular drop-in session, stay and play sessions, a toy and book library and training opportunities.

Home-Start Bury - which is based in Bury Business Centre, off Kay Street - provides emotional and practical support and friendship to families with children under the age of five. It usually takes its parent group support events to various venues in the borough but now they have a permanent base for families to access.

And the idea for a resource centre came about after a chance meeting with Elms Community Centre manager Mavis Warner.

Project co-ordinator at Home-Start Bury, Kate Brookes said: "We were at a meeting and sat next to Mavis when she mentioned the community centre. Our ears pricked up and we took up a fantastic opportunity to work with the people of Whitefield. The Elms Tenants and Residents Association have worked very hard to restore this disused building and have successfully transformed it to become the focal point within the heart of the community."

Help and advice is offered by Home-Start Bury to parents in their own homes in order to prevent a family breakdown or crisis. Alternatively, families can visit the resource centre and individual events to meet up with other people in similar situations.

Families can either self-refer to the charity or referrals can be made via GPs and health visitors.

Volunteers at Home-Start Bury have helped many families and parents who may be feeling lonely, are suffering health problems, post-natal depression or have suffered a bereavement.

Help is also at hand for mothers who had multiple births or just feel they could do with a bit of help.

Kate added: There is no stigma attached to Home-Start Bury. We are not connected to social services and there is nothing to fear from asking for help. It is a difficult task bringing up young children and we are here to help. Our only stiplulation is that one child is under the age of five."

The charity is always looking for volunteers and new members.Contact 0161 763 6335 for details.