THERE is something akin to the circle of life when a funeral company donates to a cause which helps babies, the organisation's patron says.
Sutherland Early Support Services patron Carol Provan was speaking about the $10,000 Olsens Funerals has given to the service, which does not receive government funding.
She said the service needed more support.
The service's social worker Lina Willmott said the organisation provided one-to-one moral and practical help to mothers in difficult times.
One volunteer is assigned to a family, with visiting taking place on average for six to 12 months.
With 65 mothers being helped at present, there was a waiting list for those who are needing assistance.
"We don't have problems getting volunteers but rely on donations to keep the service going," Ms Willmott said.
Her position along with that of a midwife with whom she job shares are the only ones who are paid.
Typical mothers being helped are those with postnatal depression, anxiety or those with twins.
Sometimes the help consisted of looking after a child while the mother grabbed half-an-hour's sleep, Ms Willmott said.
Changing society meant that women no longer had the support of others who were previously around to help.
"A lot of people are struggling," she said.
"We have great outcomes and it is very rewarding for volunteers; the women they help are happy someone comes to them, generally someone older and wiser who can mentor young women."
