A PETERSFIELD charity that helps struggling young families is appealing for volunteers to undertake training that could lead to them helping mothers with post-natal depression.

Home-Start Butser gained £20,000 through donations and a Christmas double your money charity giveaway award, to launch its BumpStart programme for mothers suffering with the debilitating condition.

Now the charity based in Winton House in Petersfield High Street is laying on training so volunteers have the skills needed to help families with at least one child under five years old.

The course in Liss Triangle Centre on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm to 9.30pm runs for 11 weeks.

Home-Start Butser scheme manager Nicola Winter said: “This course is basic training that all volunteers have to complete.

“We have a few spare spaces at the moment, and it would be great to fill them. Once the volunteers are through it, they can either help support a family, or help mothers suffering with depression.”

The course will cover topics such as stress factors, child development and play, values and attitudes, confidentiality, safeguarding, and listening and communication skills.

It will also lay the groundwork for those wishing to be part of the BumpStart programme, by offering a module on loss and depression.

For more information, e-mail Nicola on [email protected] or contact her on 01730 233755.