STAFF are being made redundant and offices are to close after a West Dorset charity announced it was closing down.

Home-Start West Dorset, which gave “friendship, advice and practical support to families”, has announced it is closing after being unable to secure funding.

A statement form the charity said: “As an independent charity, we rely on grants.

“We are devastated that we have not been able to secure sufficient grants to maintain our work for the long term.”

The charity said staff “have received redundancy letters” and that offices will close on October 31.

“The team are currently working with the families and volunteers looking at the best way forward, ensuring the safety of the family is maintained,” it went on.

“For 15 years, we have been lucky enough to have trained hundreds of volunteers and help many more hundreds of local families.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us over the years.”

Home-Start West Dorset was founded in 2007 and is based in Dorchester.

Mental health charity Mind Dorset responded to the news saying: “This is devastating news for West Dorset. So sorry for your staff and every family you’ve helped over the years.”

Fellow charity, Home-Start Essex, said: “So very sorry to hear this. Funding and securing grants just gets tougher and tougher, but our service is proven and so needed, our support does make a difference.

“Sending you all so much love and hugs.”