A PETERSFIELD charity helping struggling young parents in the town and surrounding villages has thanked those who contributed thousands of pounds to help it cope with the suffering brought on by the coronavirus lockdown.

Homestart Butser off the High Street has seen a huge increase in families struggling to get through lockdown, and launched an appeal to raise money to help its volunteers meet the demand.

Homestart spokesman Nicola Winter said: “Over the past weeks, our lives have all been turned upside down.

“And coronavirus is placing the greatest strain on families who are already vulnerable, including those already isolated, facing financial hardship and mental-health challenges.

“A huge thank you to the many of you who responded to our Coronavirus Appeal.

“So far, you have already helped raise £5,000 to help us provide emergency food and goods, or buy essential equipment for families.

“The funding is being used to make sure our volunteers stay connected with families and carry on supporting them online and by phone when they can’t meet face to face.”

The current movement restrictions may mean that home-visiting and group work can’t be offered.

But through its volunteers, the charity is staying in contact with families it supports, offering a listening ear and practical advice.

It is also working with local partners to ensure that struggling families get vital food, baby goods and other supplies delivered to them during the outbreak.

Nicola added: “Parents are struggling to get nappies or food they need for their children.

“For many of them, nurseries and school is where children get their main meal of the day, and families already under pressure now have to unexpectedly provide food throughout the day.”

One family being helped is young mum Michelle and her two young children.

When the crisis hit she was made redundant from her new job.

Nicola said: “She lives in a tiny, cramped flat with no garden and without an income.

“She is waiting for her Universal Credit application to be processed .

“With your help, we have been able to provide her with regular food and hot meals, as well as some lovely craft activities and fun ideas that mum can do with the children at home.

“We keep in regular contact with her and have a chance to see her at a distance when we drop off her food each week.”

Michelle added: “It is so lovely to see the volunteers and chat when they bring my food – it gives me something to look forward to and I feel very cared for. I know you are there for me, thank you.”

For more information, or to donate, visit the website

www.homestart-butser.org.uk or contact Nicola on 01730 233755.