A ROADSHOW aimed at helping parents with problem teenagers in Worcester has been touring pubs, schools and community centres to find volunteers to help with new initiatives.

RPS Rainer, the charity that runs New Ventures, is looking for more people to help with a programme it is launching in the city and has two sessions booked for early next year.

It looks at teen culture and behaviour and tackles problems such as bullying, drink and drugs, eating disorders and how to cope with challenging or out-of-character behaviour.

Davina Phillips, parenting programme co-ordinator, has had a good response from parents in Worcester but wants more to come forward.

"We have set up stalls at Bishop Perowne High School in Merrimans Hill and at Perdiswell Primary School, Tesco and Sainsbury's supermarkets and community centres to publicise our "Living with a Teenager Programme," she said.

"The parents we have worked with already really enjoyed meeting others who are experiencing similar problems with teenagers.

"There are many youngsters like Kevin from the television programme who are affected by peer influences, lack of self-esteem and confidence.

"We also help parents to spot the signs and symptoms of drugs and teach them how to cope with the problem.

"These sessions help them to see they are not alone."

She hopes volunteers on the first programme will form their own groups in Worcestershire and Herefordshire for other parents.

Volunteers for the programme will receive training and support in preparation for the weekly classes that run over a period of five weeks in the day and evening.

The first programme starts on Tuesday, January 29, at Ronkswood Community Centre at 7.30pm and the second one starts on Thursday, February 28, at City Youth House, Spring Gardens on City Walls Road.

The pilot scheme is due to last for two years and is funded jointly by the charity RPS Rainer and the Home Office.

RPS Rainer is a charity with a 200-year history of working with vulnerable young people including young offenders and the homeless.

It hopes that all young people will have an equal opportunity to achieve their personal potential and participate in society.