VOLUNTEERS from an insurance and pension company gave up their free time to make a children’s play area.

Staff from Friends Life in Salisbury offered their time to clear scrubland at Jill Cunningham House in East Knoyle to make an open area where children can play as part of Action on Addiction’s M-PACT programme.

The M-PACT (Moving Parent and Children Together) programme works with families to help children living with parents who misuse alcohol and drugs.

As well as allowing children to talk openly about how they feel about their parents’ addictions, spend time in Jill Cunningham House and work with trained counsellors, the charity also wants children to be able to play outside in the garden area with other children who are dealing with similar issues.

Bradley Thomson from Friends Life said: “We have dedicated staff who are delighted to be doing something for the local community and helping a worthy cause.

“Many families are badly affected by addiction in Wiltshire and we would like to do our bit to help. Although all of our staff involved normally work in an office, they are not afraid to get their hands dirty.”

Nick Barton, chief executive of Action on Addiction, said: “As with many other charities, we have to work hard to raise funds to carry out the work we do. “We are extremely grateful to Friends Life staff for offering their services for free, and we know the children with whom we work will be delighted at having more outdoor space in which to play during the programme.”