A HELPING hand is being given to new mums thanks to a new pioneering project.

The initiative is being launched through the Compassionate Inverclyde charity, with volunteers giving support to mothers across the district.

The aim is for helpers to step in and do housework, walk dogs, make cups of tea or anything else that could free up parents to spend some quality time with their babies.

Alison Bunce, founder of the social movement, said: "Breastfeeding Scotland has been following Compassionate Inverclyde and there is a big campaign just now for breastfeeding to be encouraged.

"They got in touch and asked us if we would like to get involved through our local infant feeding team.

"The project will allow the same access to support as we give at the end of life to new mums and new life."

Alison says the project aims to support mum to bond with their babies while feeding them and the help is also available to mums who bottle feed.

She said: "We want to support mums to allow them time to sit and feed the baby and to develop a close and nurturing relationship their babies.

"This could mean light housework, walking the dog, entertaining toddlers.

"Some mums might not have family members nearby and often can feel a bit isolated at home on their own.

"This is one of the aims of Compassionate Inverclyde, to reduce social isolation and loneliness which can happen at any stage."

Ten volunteers have signed up and undergone training and the project is ready to go.

Alison says the initiative is also geared towards building confidence.

She said: "We have one mum who has a new baby and is keen to go along to a bookbug session but she hasn't ventured out yet and we are looking at a volunteer accompanying her."

Alison says the project sums up what Compassionate Inverclyde is all about - ordinary people helping ordinary people and the community being empowered to help others.

She told the Tele: "This is a real example of how this has grown organically with other agencies contacting us."

*If anyone would like to be a volunteer or wants more information they should contact Alison through the Facebook page or by calling Alison on 07540766381.