A CHARITY which offers a lifeline to overwhelmed families in South Cheshire has warned that a desperate cash shortage could force it to close.

Home-Start, which is based at Ashton House in Gatefield Street at Crewe, helps families struggling to cope with the growing pressures of modern life.

Since it started six years ago, the charity's volunteers have supported more than 300 parents and 580 children who complain of feeling stressed and isolated.

But bosses say funding is due to dry up, and if they fail to secure future grants the charity will be forced to fold next year.

Senior organiser Clare Robinson said the group, which has been funded by the North West Development Agency and Sure-Start, needs about £97,000 a year.

She said: 'The simple matter is if we don't get more solid funding we will have to start to close down in April.

'If that happens a lot of people will lose out. At the moment we are supporting 71 families in the borough of Crewe and Nantwich. There would be a huge gap in family support.'

The charity describes its work as providing a lifeline to all families regardless of their circumstances who are feeling overwhelmed, isolated and under stress.

Mrs Robinson added: 'Often it's very difficult for parents to ask for help and Home-Start makes a huge impact on all members of the family by offering regular friendship, practical and emotional support through trained parent volunteers visiting in the home for two to four hours a week.'

People are referred to the scheme through health workers and Cheshire County Council's social services. Families can also get in touch with the group themselves.

The volunteers tackle issues such as illness, depression, disability and coping with small children.

Since it began the charity has recruited and trained 86 volunteers to help families. On Thursday, 10 more were praised after completing their 10-week course.

Mrs Robinson said: 'We are carrying on regardless with our work, and that involves recruiting new volunteers, until we have no choice but to stop.

'We recruit people who have parenting experience, are caring and who have the right attitude. And we hope we can continue doing so for some time.

'In the past we have relied on grants from trusts, such as the Lottery, but you can only go to these people once. What we really need is statutory funding from a health authority.'

If you would like further information about becoming a volunteer, would like support, or can help with funding, phone Home-Start on 01270 252719.