A WEST Dorset charity is banking on the community’s support to help more local families in need.

Home Start West Dorset is hoping to secure funds from NatWest’s CommunityForce programme in an online vote.

The charity, based in Poundbury, offers support and friendship for families with any practical needs, advice or someone to turn to when things aren’t going too well.

Home Start’s volunteers visit families at home and in two years the charity has supported 50 families in West Dorset.

CommunityForce is a new initiative in which the bank works with communities to support the people, projects and charities working to make a difference. Home Start is among 26 projects in West Dorset bidding for funding and people can vote in an online poll for their favourite charity to win.

Home Start is urging everyone who believes in supporting families with children to go to the website and vote before the closing date on October 23.

Chairman Janet Kennewell said: “It’s very straightforward and should take no longer than a few minutes of your time to go to the website community force.natwest.com/project /4639, register and make your vote.

“Every single vote means more money for Home Start West Dorset, which means more local families will benefit.

“People can also vote through Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.

“It costs £1,000 to train each volunteer and support a family for six months.

“The CommunityForce award would mean even more families in West Dorset would get the help they need.

“I’d like to thank Natwest CommunityForce for giving us this chance to raise funds.

“Now it’s up to us, our friends and family and all our supporters to click and vote.”

For more information about the charity, visit homestartwestdorset.co.uk or phone 01305 755608.