FAMILY support charity Home-Start Clackmannanshire has expanded its shop into an Alloa High Street premises last week.

The bigger and improved shop opened its doors last Thursday, December 5, and thanks were given to customers as well as volunteers by store manager Rhona Holden for making it happen and getting the venture this far.

Home-Start Clackmannanshire offers advice, friendship and practical help to Clacks families with young children and the shop which moved to the High Street has been boosting that effort.

It was previously based at Shillinghill in town and launched as a six-month pilot a year ago last week.

Such has been its success, the project was extended and soon there was a need for a bigger space in an even better location.

The move already paid dividends in the hours following the re-opening, the store manager hailing a “massively successful” first day.

People who would like to support the charity’s work locally are encouraged to head down to the shop and browse the various goods on offer.

Folks who are even more enthusiastic could benefit from volunteering opportunities and help local parents build better lives for their children.

Home-Start is a unique service which sees people give up a few hours of their free time a week to visit families at home, offering informal and confidential support.

It is especially beneficial for parents who feel overwhelmed, particularly when they experience loneliness or isolation, bereavement, illness or disabilities, relationship problems, post-natal depression or similar struggles.

A family group is also available to help strengthen parent-child relationships and build parental confidence with a varied and imaginative programme of sessions.

Volunteers could also help staff the now bigger shop.

Anyone interested can email homestart@hsclacks.co.uk or call 01259 213 453.