Howgill Family Centre is looking for new volunteers to support parents and children across the area.

A new training course will start in February at the organisation’s Cleator Moor base at Birks Road.

They are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who can use their experiences to give support in areas such as fundraising, trips, office work, DIY, home support and group work.

Two women, Kate Lindsay and Alison Starkey, who previously volunteered for Howgill, have since been given jobs with the organisation.

Kate said: “I am a single parent and wanted to gain experience working with children and families to further my career.

“After completing the training course I became a volunteer for the Howgill’s Time To Share Bereavement group and the Apart From group.

“This empowered me and was the starting point to my career. It gave me confidence to apply for a university course and gave me self-esteem. My volunteering led to further training opportunities and eventually a paid position within Howgill running alongside my university course.’’

Alison had been a stay-at-home mum with three daughters and had found it difficult to gain employment, despite achieving several vocational qualifications.

She said: “The Job Centre suggested I became a volunteer at Howgill Family Centre. After completing the training I started work in the office a few mornings a week which allowed me to gain practical work experience and increased my confidence.

“When the post of Early Help Support Worker came up in 2015, I applied, and now work for the organisation full-time.

“I can’t recommend volunteering enough. It’s given me the tools to begin a new career.’’

Other volunteers have also spoken of how the experience had built confidence with one woman adding: “I just love it, I absolutely love it. It gets me out the house.

“I like getting to know the staff and it has definitely made me a lot more confident. I don’t take things to heart as much as I used to and I have learned to deal with people who challenge me.’’

For more information on the volunteer training courses, contact 01946 817900.