MP calls on PCT to back Homestart

11.52.00am GMT Wed 25th Mar 2009

MP Tim Farron has called upon Cumbria's NHS Primary care trust to help fund a local charity that supports young families who are under pressure. Home-Start is a local charity that helps dozens of families in South Cumbria every year, it has 40 volunteers and 2 paid staff. Local volunteers offer support and friendship to new parents through home visiting, via groups and through social events.

Home-Start helps by reducing family isolation and increasing social support networks and improves parents' emotional well being. Unlike most other Homestart groups in the country, South Cumbria's does not receive funding from the local PCT. This has seriously hindered its development and has meant that the charity has had to merge South Lakeland and Barrow Homestart operations recently, which will limit is ability to help families across our area.

Last Friday Tim met with Chief Executive of NHS Cumbria, Sue Page, at which he asked for a financial commitment to help the charity survive.

Tim says, "Homestart have helped hundreds of young families get through difficult times and to grow and thrive together. I hope that the local PCT will step up and accept responsibility to ensure that the amazing work of Homestart can continue."