Donations save help group

A charity which helps families under stress in Lichfield and Burntwood has been saved from the axe after netting a raft of donations - led by the council.

Home-Start Lichfield and District launched an appeal for help with funding in October, after it was revealed the charity was £13,000 short of the £18,000 it needed to raise to release significant funding from The Big Lottery Fund.

And thanks to its cries for help the charity has now received several significant donations including £2,000 from Lichfield District Council, which has ensured the scheme can continue beyond this month.

Home-Start Lichfield and District was launched in 2002 and is committed to promoting the welfare of local families.

Volunteers offer young families under stress regular friendship and practical help by visiting them at home.

Kevin Lowe, co-ordinator at Home-Start Lichfield and District, said: "We were really struggling to find funding when Lichfield District Council stepped in with £2,000 which was a real boost to the scheme."

Mr Lowe added other recent donations have included £6,950 from the Staffordshire Local Network Fund.

To find out more about Home-Start, or make a donation, call Mr Lowe on 01543 301128.