Barnardo's Reach Out To Parents

15 March 2010, 14:14 | Updated: 16 March 2010, 08:26

More than 1,000 parents in Dorset are set to get help from childrens charity Barnardo's this year.

The charity have been given £1.5million from the government to establish a Parent Support Advisor Service.

It works with schools to help parents deal with their childrens behaviour, and emotional development.

The service also offers one-to-one support to help parents deal with things like alcohol addiction, marital problems and domestic abuse.

Over 20 project workers have been given their own areas of the county to work with people who need their support.

Jeremy Coombe, Barnardo’s South West children’s services manager, said: “The completion of the team means we can now help to support even more parents.

“Families receive the right support at the right time, helping their children to fulfil their potential.”

Project workers offer short and medium term support. In some cases, families can be referred to another agency for more specialised support.

Dorset County Council’s extended schools adviser Su Lewis said: “We are delighted to be commissioning this service which works alongside parents to give them support and advice on a range of issues to make sure their children reach their full potential and enjoy themselves.”