A NEW charity project supporting new mothers has received some much needed funding from Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club.

The golf club's Captain, Gerry Mason, nominated the local family support charity Home-Start as the club's charity of the year.

The funds raised are helping to get the charity's new Breastfeeding Support Project underway.

Health Visitor, Ali Carter, who works closely with Home-Start, approached charity manager Ali Sanderson, about training some of the home visiting volunteers to offer support to breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding rates in the UK are among the lowest in Europe. Many mothers who stopped breastfeeding early on say they would have liked to continue but lacked the support and advice they needed.

Both Ali's are grateful for the support provided by the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club and for the provision of 12 mobile phones which will be used by the supporters.

Ali Sanderson said: “We are delighted to be working closely with local health professionals on this project and are encouraged to know that we have the backing of community members.”

A preparation course for home visiting volunteers starts on October 14. For more information on Home-Start contact 01643-707304.