AFTER making the leap from a stay-at-home mum to working at the Warrington Guardian’s charity of the year, Rachel Richards is now the most happiest she has been with thanks to her job.

The mum of three credits her time at Home-Start Warrington as one of the most ‘rewarding things’ she has done since she joined in April 2010 – firstly as a volunteer before securing a job as outreach worker in July 2012.

Rachel, from Howley, said: “It was scary at first as I didn’t know what to expect but after a while you form a friendship with the family. It’s really rewarding knowing that you are helping someone else.”

Home-Start Warrington helps families tackle issues ranging from isolation, premature birth, multiple births and illness through to families struggling with drug abuse and domestic violence or those that just need that little bit of help and support to help them cope.

The 43-year-old had been aware of the great work Home-Start achieve in the community for many years but struggled to find the time to sign up due to her parental duties and childcare costs.

“I used to work as a domestic house keeper at a nursing home but I had to stop when I got pregnant with my youngest and I couldn’t go back to work then,” she said But now Rachel uses her experiences as single mum to help provide the support families need.

“It was interesting because I am a single parent so I know how difficult it can be. A lot of families that we look after are single parents so they can relate to me and I can relate to them because they know you’ve been there.”

From the small things to helping to motivate the parents to clean the house to attending appointment with the family, Rachel is on hand to provide vital support to help them stand on their own two feet.

“It is sad when you have to leave a family as you form a friendship but it is really rewarding – that’s the best part of the job.”

The next volunteer training course starts on June 4.

To find out more information visit homestart-warrington.org.uk or call 652320.