DEDICATED volunteers at a family orientated Redditch service are being applauded for their hard work as part of a national week celebrating those who give up their time for a good cause.

Redditch Early Help, a service commissioned by Worcestershire County Council and run by Redditch Borough Council, is recognising the hard work done by volunteers as part of annual Volunteers Week, which runs all this week.

Early Help provides a service for local families with children as well as services for young people up to 19-years-old.

Help, advice, guidance, support, information and activities are all areas where volunteers can get involved and make a difference.

Volunteer and family champion co-ordinator Ali Wakeman said: “Our organisation has been enhanced by the valuable work of our fabulous volunteers.

"They are the local heroes that help us provide a vital service within the community. I want to thank all our volunteers for their dedication and continued hard work.”

Rachael Davis, a young mum from the town, was put in touch with a support worker who helped her find her career path.

She undertook a Level 2 Diploma in children and young people and as part of this did some volunteering with Early Help’s stay and play groups.

Ms Davis said: “Attending the course and volunteering at the groups has helped me as a mum because I now have a better understanding of how my daughter Lucie will develop and what to expect.

"I enjoyed being in the centres and was keen to learn more so I signed up to a positive parenting course where I could share experiences with other parents. After successfully completing the level 2 Diploma I was given the opportunity to sign up to the Level 3 and was also offered an apprenticeship with Little Stars who now run the Stay and Play groups within the Redditch Centres.

"I am so pleased to have had these opportunities. I really love my job and enjoy working with other staff and parents and Lucie loves it too."

She added: "Because of my Volunteering and Early Help support, I am now a confident, knowledgeable, working mum.”

To say thank you a special ‘cuppa and cake’ morning has been organised for all the volunteers at Forge Mill.

For more about volunteering opportunities within Redditch Early help, email early.help@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 0800 085 8106.