LOOKING after a family and giving children the best start in life can be a challenging and stressful experience.

Even the most organised parents can struggle to juggle jobs, childcare and a social life.

Add an abusive partner, an adult relative who needs round-the-clock care, drug or alcohol dependency, mental health issues, financial woes or some other complication into the mix, it is no wonder some families collapse under the strain.

But help is at hand in Southend thanks to a dedicated band of volunteers who give up their free time to support some of the most desperate families in the area.

Volunteering Matters connects mentors with families who need a helping hand, whether that is support at key meetings with public agencies, advice on bringing up children or just a friendly, understanding face and a shoulder to cry on.

Janet Monk, 70, from Eastwood, has volunteered with the project for three years.

She said: “You really just get to know the family to start with.

"They tend to respond more to visitors like myself because we are volunteers not social workers.

“The theory is they are more likely to listen to our advice.

“First we get to know them, then start getting them on the right road.

“I wanted to do something positive and help children. I find it quite challenging, but rewarding because you know, hopefully, the families have a happy outcome.

“They have held on to their children so you have a feeling you have kept a family together.”

Patricia Bourne, 54, from Southchurch, had to reach out for help due to the strains of looking after her disabled aunt alongside her four children and seven grandchildren.

She said: “My volunteer has been absolutely marvellous. She has supported me through everything I’ve been through.

“Over the past couple of years I have been quite isolated. My support worker has been my eyes and ears to the wider world.”

Volunteering Matters began in response to the findings of a public inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie, in 2000.

The organisation recruits, trains and supports volunteers to mentor and support families with complex needs, where children are at risk of significant harm through neglect.

The volunteers make weekly visits to the families building up a strong relationship with the parents, listening to problems and offering practical help.

Run in partnership with council social service teams to target families most in need of support, volunteers help keep families together and reduce the number of children on child protection plans and child in need plans.

By improving parenting skills, reducing isolation and improving the quality of family life, the reliance on social care services is reduced.

Stevie Hickman, 26, of Southend, is one of the mums helped by Mrs Monk.

The mum-of-two said: “It has made a massive difference having someone to talk to and to help with the bits and bobs I need help with.

“It’s someone who doesn’t know me or everything about me.

“She was a great support in meetings. It was quite comforting and my children got to know and trust her. She did a great job and she didn’t have to do it.”

Both volunteers and clients were invited to afternoon tea at Southend’s civic residence, Porters, to celebrate the project.

Southend mayor Andrew Moring handed out certificates at the event.

Project administrator Cathie Whitehead said: “The sun was shining and a good time was had by all. We thank the mayor for letting us use his residence and giving his time.”