PARENTS, schools and governors have been urged to contact a children's charity to find out what it can provide for vulnerable and distressed children.

Mentor Link provides one-to-one social and emotional support to vulnerable and distressed children by recruiting volunteer mentors using Safer Recruiting Techniques.

Children who may face issues ranging from family difficulties, self- harm, anxiety or bullying are supported by the service and helped to improve their self-esteem, relationships and engagement in learning.

One child, known only as Toby, is currently dealing with a difficult home situation.

His stepfather, who he was very close to and is the only dad he has known, left the family and no longer wanted any contact with Toby or his mum.

On top of that Toby’s mum is not a well person so he takes on a caring role at times as there are now only the two of them at home.

Toby was very down and said he wished he was dead.

His mentor has been helping him to come to terms with no longer having his stepfather in his life.

They talk through his feelings about his current home situation and his mum’s condition as well as build up his self- esteem.

Anyon who would like information on the service provided by the charity should email enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk, call 01299 822336 or visit mentorlink.org.uk.