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

ChildLine figures show not just children benefit – 77.2% of volunteers said their confidence increased, 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 every two years by 2016 to talk to children about abuse, how to protect themselves and where to get help.

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

Volunteers spend up to half a day a week supporting the programme, which aims to equip children in every primary school 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.

For details and to apply, go to www.nspcc.org.uk/childlinevolunteer