A FAMILY support group in South Oxfordshire has appealed for donations to deliver more help to first-time parents.

Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire, a voluntary home-visiting scheme, wants to secure £4,320 worth of cash pledges to fuel a fundraising frenzy.

The money is required so it can take part in the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign, called the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which runs in the last week in November.

It allows charities to double donations by setting up an online page, on which new donors can match existing pledges.

The money raised will help Home-Start to up ‘first babies’ support groups.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “[The groups] will offer support and reassurance for parents in those early weeks and months which can be so isolating, but are so important in shaping future outcomes for children.”

Home-Start needs to apply to take part in the challenge, and must secure pledges before 5pm on September 1.

To pledge, visit secure.thebiggive.org.uk/pledge/homestartsouthernoxfordshire