A STRUGGLING family support charity has found enough money to stay open for another six months.

Home-Start Basildon was expected to close this month due to financial difficulties, but has been thrown a lifeline thanks to fundraising efforts and by slashing its budget.

The charity, which supports local parents of the under-fives, has struggled to attract a sponsor despite countless appeals and grant applications.

Scheme manager Lorraine Ferguson, 47, said: “We’ve managed to secure enough funding to keep going until March 31, so that gives us a bit longer to try to secure a long-term sponsor.

“We raised £671 through a sponsored walk, £587 came from a fun walk organised by MP John Baron, staff from Countrywide Estate Agents donated money from their dress-down days, and our volunteers have been donating their expenses. They’ve been such a great support.

“Basildon mayor Mo Larkin has made us one of her charities of the year, so hopefully we will get some more money through that.”

The charity was launched in Basildon 15 years ago to train parent volunteers to visit other parents with young children. It also tackles issues including poverty, isolation and mental illness.

Its closure would leave 102 local parents and children currently being helped without support, and 30 volunteers without a role.

Home-Start Basildon began to scale down operations at its Pitsea Leisure Centre base at the end of March.

It has replaced its secretary with a volunteer, and its two remaining staff members have reduced their hours to cut costs.

The charity is still desperate to attract a long-term sponsor to cover its £86,000 a year running costs.

In the past, funding came from local children’s centres, but this has dried up because of Government spending cuts.

Ms Ferguson urged residents and businesses to help if they can. She added: “If anyone is holding a fundraising event or is looking for a charity to support we’d be really grateful, because every donation makes a difference.”

To donate, call Home-Start on 01268 550300.