A MOTHER of five young children is the new head of an organisation dedicated to helping families in Bury.

Hazel Birtles is the newly appointed co-ordinator of Home Start Bury. The project was launched in April 2000 to offer support, friendship and practical help to families with children under the age of five.

It aims to help relieve the stress that family life can bring and prevent crisis and family breakdown.

In her role, Mrs Birtles has launched an appeal for volunteers to help make the scheme a success.

She said: "My aim is to further develop existing links in the community and to increase the present number of volunteers on the register thus helping more families in the Bury area."

Mrs Birtles says her own family life has provided her with real "hands-on" experience in understanding the complexities and difficulties facing families. She has substantial experience in both education and private day care coupled with a degree in early years from Manchester Metropolitan University.

"Volunteer roles include visiting families in their homes, sharing parenting skills, building up confidence, talking, listening, encouraging, playing and ultimately enabling families to cope," said Mrs Birtles.

Would-be volunteers should have parenting experience themselves and be able to spare a few hours a week.

All volunteers are offered full initial training and expenses are covered. The next volunteer training session will start early next month. Further sessions will start in October. Both daytime and evening training opportunities are available.

Home Start Bury is based at Unit 1, Bury Business Centre on Kay Street, Bury. For further information ring 763 6335.