Homestart - the Braintree-based charity which works to help young families under stress - is holding urgent talks with the district council this week in a bid to find a new base.

Volunteers are concerned that proposed housing development at their present base at Tabor Middle School in Panfield Lane, will threaten the running of the charity.

Homestart helps families with children under five through a variety of difficulties, including isolation, money problems, marital breakdown, depression and children with special needs.

Almost 100 families across the district have been helped in the past year, both through confidential home visits and by attending a 15-member support group and play scheme at the Panfield Lane centre.

Organiser, Kathy Butler, said: "We desperately need somewhere for our group to meet and store equipment.

"We feel we need to be in the town, close to people that need us most. We need to be where we can serve the community."

She explained that approaches will also be made to local churches about securing suitable premises. The group needs a classroom size meeting room, with access to lavatories and storage space.

"We are concerned but we see this as a real opportunity to get Homestart a permanent home of its own.

All we are asking for is a safe room where children can play and parents can relax," she said.

Homestart has been running across the district for 16 years. Volunteers also run an office in a temporary building in Witham.

If you can help Homestart find a new home then call Kathy on 01376 550177.

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