TWELVE young Redditch people have undergone specialist training to man a free helpline offering support and guidance to needy peers.

The Youth Comm helpline, set up by Millennium Volunteers, is based at Redditch Youth House, in Smallwood, and up to 10 young people contact it every day between 7-10pm.

People are offered help and support on a range of issues, including relationship problems, bullying and homework queries.

Jennifer Miller, of Millennium Volunteers, said: "The volunteers who man the phone line have had six months of accredited training in listening and communication skills.

"The line is completely confidential. I have been into schools and colleges to tell people about it and it has already proved to be really popular.

"People ring in for all sorts of things. For example, say someone has problems with their homework assignment they can call in and the people on the other end will be able to access the relevant information from the internet."

Mrs Miller said the call takers, who are all women aged between 16 and 24, had also been trained to deal with hoax calls.

"We now really need some more young people to volunteer to be trained up, especially boys," she added.

Anyone interested can call Mrs Miller on 63821. The Youth Comm helpline is 0800 096 1425.