A PLYMOUTH family will be able to take full advantage of their garden for the first time in nearly a decade thanks to city volunteers.

Mum-of-two Leah Parkin has not set foot through her patio doors since moving in eight years ago because of a 5ft drop to the grass outside.

HELP AT HAND: Dan Taylor, left, of The Reach Project, with Dave Gue, right, and Roger Newcombe at the home of Leah Parkin and her family in Estover

Leah, who suffers from vertigo, has always feared that her sons Owen, aged five, and two-year-old Marcus, could take a painful tumble if it is left open.

But now a team of Christian community volunteers are set to spend two days building a set of steps for the Estover family.

Leah found out about The Reach Project through using the Plymbridge Nursery and Children's Centre, which doubles up as a base for the organisation's new drop-in sessions.

Founded by 33-year-old Dan Taylor, The Reach Project aims to help struggling families in the north of Plymouth.

That includes offering everything from financial advice — courtesy of Dan's accountant wife — to helping with unsafe homes, empty food cupboards, benefits delays, domestic violence and sudden unemployment.

Leah, who has kept the patio doors in her living room closed even in the height of summer, said: "Ever since the children have been born, we've avoided having the back door open for fear of the children falling out.

"I'm so thankful for all their help and understanding.

"Their work will make a massive difference to our lives."

The Reach Project's core volunteers come from the North Plymouth Community Church, though they are keen to stress they are "not God pushers".

Dan, one of six directors and a printer by trade, said: "People in real need are often afraid to ask for help.

"We want to show people who may be in desperate situations that there are people out there who care and can make a real difference."

The Reach Project also provides emergency food packages and free financial advice through its qualified volunteers and FSA-registered partners from Plymouth Focus and Trinity Solutions.

Families in the Derriford, Widewell, Belliver, Leigham, Thornbury and Mainstone areas can visit drop-in sessions at the Miller Way centre every week between 4pm and 5pm, on alternate Tuesdays and Fridays.

For more information, call the nursery on 01752 786444 or The Reach Project direct on 07759 258 889.