PARENTS of young teenagers on a troubled Worcester estate are being urged to join a positive parenting programme.

The project in Warndon and Warndon Villages will involve sharing experiences and developing their parenting skills.

They will also be able to learn strategies to cope with challenging behaviour.

The estates have recently come under fire for "yobbish" behaviour and parents' "out of sight, out of mind" attitudes.

But New Ventures, which is based in Hylton Road, Worcester, is aiming to turn things around.

Anyone who is a parent or carer of a teenager aged between 13 and 16 can take part in the free programme.

"At the end of the day they're the experts," said Davina Phillips, co-ordinator of the programme.

"The programme is an opportunity for them to come together.

"There's no such thing as a perfect parent. What they do do should be seen as good enough."

The programme starts on Wednesday, May 2, at Warndon Community Centre, when the meeting runs from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

"Some people think that by attending a parenting programme you've failed, but that's not the case," said Ms Phillips.

"We don't want to dictate to parents. This is about giving them time to themselves and putting their needs forward.

"Life has its challenges, especially if you're the parent of a teenager."

The sessions will involve talking about parenting experiences as well as watching videos.

"We hope parents and carers will come to help them to develop their confidence and see that asking for help is a positive step forward," said Ms Phillips.

As well as the evening sessions there will be a daytime session starting on Tuesday, June 5, from 9.30 until 11.30am.

The daytime programme will offer a free crche facility.

New Ventures is planning to run additional programmes in Tolladine and Dines Green later in the year.

For more information on how to take part in the positive parenting programme call Davina Phillips on 01905 339200 or call into Warndon Community Centre.

See Opinion