An Aberdeen charity has been given funding to train five new volunteers to support parents with young children.
Home-Start will use the money from Sanctuary Group to provide both emotional and practical help for those in need.
The volunteers will be able to encourage good parenting practice, offer advice on managing the home, and provide a listening ear and reassurance for those facing challenges.
Last week the organisation revealed results of a survey, finding that 95% of people believe parents who are struggling would delay asking for help.
And, on average, new mothers and fathers wait more than seven months before reaching out to find support.
Eleanor McEwan, general manager of Home-Start Aberdeen, said: “Every day we are providing life-changing support to families across the city who can be facing a number of challenges.
“This funding from Sanctuary will help us reach more families who are needing our support.
“Our trained volunteers help families with young children when they need us most.”
Jane Windle-Hartshorn, head of community investment at Sanctuary, said: “We recognise that at times family life can be difficult for a lot of people who are often juggling with work, money and other issues.
“This funding will help provide families with the support they need and we look forward to seeing the impact it will make across the city.”