Enjoying the supply of local 'grandchildren'!

But since becoming a volunteer for Home Start, Gwen has enjoyed every minute of her retirement.

As a mum-of-four and a grandma, Gwen knows all about parenting and was keen to help families in need.

"I volunteered for eight years," says Gwen, 70, who because of her age has retired from family visiting to help out at the slower-paced Beat the Blues group.

"I loved it and was just accepted as part of the family.

"A lot of grandparents live away but I'm there every week for them. I still go and see the children on their birthdays even though I'm not volunteering any more.

"It was a big responsibility but it was so rewarding. One of the nicest things is when a family doesn't need you any more - it means they're coping fine on their own.

"The main thing that Home Start gives families is time. We give them time together and give mums a break when they need it. That's something money can't buy."

Gwen's four sons live in Scotland, Ireland, Korea and Leeds and volunteering has given her an endless supply of local 'grandchildren'.

"It's been like having an extended family," adds Gwen, from Woodseats, Sheffield.

"Everyone has benefited and I wish I'd retired years ago."

Jo Rudd, Home Start coordinator for Sheffield, says there's a great need for the charity's work.

"It can be done very effectively with volunteers. Our main aim is to encourage people to enjoy their children and develop that bond in the early years.

"We work a lot with women with post natal depression and if necessary we signpost people on.

"We let people make their own decisions - we're not health visitors or professionals but we're all parents and we're committed and caring."