A DEATH in Paradise star has encouraged others to support an award-winning charity which offers advice to families across the Cotswold District who are going through difficult times.

Local actor, comedian and children's author Ben Miller has regularly donated to Home-Start Cotswold over the years but has recently pledged to help the Cirencester-based charity recruit more volunteers.

Ben first rose to fame as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller and has since starred in a number of popular television programmes and films such as Paddington 2, Death in Paradise, Bridgerton and Johnny English.

The Home-Start Cotswolds team trains up volunteers who visit families with young children in the Cirencester area for two to three hours every week to provide parents with confidential and non-judgmental support. 

The charity recently won a BBC Radio Gloucestershire 2023 Make a Difference Award for their postnatal Baby and Me group and has also received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the past.  

Home-Start Cotswolds chair of trustees Carla Partridge said: ‘Over the past few years, Ben has generously donated to us from his book sales and even his winnings from an appearance on Celebrity Catchphrase.

"So we are delighted that he is keen to do even more to help families across the Cotswolds who are going through difficult times."

Ben Miller said: "Any mum or dad will tell you how hard parenting is.

"But the families that Home-Start supports are also having to cope with other challenges, such as isolation, financial problems, mental health issues and disability.

"Not everyone is lucky enough to have family or friends nearby to help them.

"As a parent myself - and a children’s author - I know just how important a child’s earliest years are and the impact those years can have.

"It’s amazing the difference it can make, having someone visit a family at home just once a week, to lend a hand or a listening ear.

"It can literally change lives."

The charity will be hosting an information morning on Wednesday, November 8 between 10.30am until midday at Cirencester Baptist Church for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.