FAMILIES in Rossendale are being offered a friendly ear in the form of a new helpline for parents and carers.

Rossendale Family Forum is behind the plan which will see the launch of the new line this month.

Trained volunteers will be manning the call centre to offer independent and confidential support to people experiencing difficulties.

The emphasis will be on education and school issues, but will also cover benefits, health and relationship problems.

Volunteers will be trained as community counsellors by the Advisory Centre for Education, under their outreach programme, as well as the Lancashire Parent Partnership, Sure Start, CVS and Community Action in Rossendale.

The line will be open Monday to Friday, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and answerphone cover and email will be available outside those hours.

The number is 01706 835445 and the email address is rossfamilyforum@aol.com.