WYE Valley author Julia Gregson is backing a local charity which supports families across Monmouthshire.

Julia Gregson, whose fifth novel, Monsoon Summer, was published in June, has become an ‘ambassador’ for Home-Start Monmouthshire.

She said: “I’m very excited to have been asked to be an ambassador for Homestart.

“Many years ago a friend told me about it and what valuable work it does.

“Because of my background as a journalist, I will help raise awareness because it is seriously an amazing organisation.

“I’ve had an exciting life and interviewed presidents and covered wars but I don’t think there is anything more alarming than bringing your first child home.

“I’m a new granny so I’m aware of this.

“I had assumed it was for people who are disadvantaged or struggling with money but it is something that goes across the board.

“The more high-powered your life, the more tricky it can be to accept that you have this randomly new way of being a human being.

“I love this organisation because it so grassroots and so practical.”

A support package is tailor-made to meet the families’ specific needs, including both emotional and practical support, activities with children and help to access services.

Julia met with some of the volunteers, staff and trustees of the independent charity at a special welcome event at its headquarters at the Bridges Centre in Monmouth.

To find out more about Home-Start visit www.homestartmonmouthshire.org.uk or call 01600 715608.