ADULTS in Somerset are being asked to volunteer to help vulnerable children with the pledge that it will make them feel better, too.

ChildLine has released figures showing it’s not just children who benefit – 77.2% of volunteers said their confidence inc-reased, 64.9% experienced a rise in self-esteem and 54.8% had improved emotional well-being.

The findings coincide with ChildLine’s New Year’s Resolution campaign asking people in Somerset to offer their time to support children and young people who desperately need help.

The charity is looking for schools service volunteers in primary schools across the county.

The service aims to visit every primary school in the county once every two years by 2016 to talk to children about abuse, how to protect themselves and where to get help if they need it.

The service already has several volunteers, but ChildLine needs to recruit more in Somerset.

Volunteers spend up to half a day a week supporting the programme, which aims to prevent abuse before it starts by equipping children in every primary school in Somerset with the knowledge they need to act with confidence if they fear abuse.

Using age-appropriate assemblies and interactive workshops, trained volunteers encourage children to recognise situations where they may need help and show them ways of accessing support.

ChildLine schools service coordinator Natalie said: “When you’ve finished an assembly you feel like you’ve made 30 new friends.

“The children are all brilliant and we have fun. It’s inspiring and you never tire of it.”

For further information and details of how to apply, see www.nspcc.org.uk/ childlinevolunteer ChildLine is the UK’s only free and confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people.

Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people aged 18 and under.

For more information call 0800-1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

If you’re worried about a child don’t wait until you’re certain – call the NSPCC’s trained helpline counsellors for 24/7 help, advice and support on 0808 800 5000.