A FAMILY support group which helps parents in Southampton get back to work is threatened with closure.

Choices 4 Families was set up three years ago to give mums and dads in Weston, Woolston, Sholing and Merry Oak confidential support when they are experiencing problems with anything from relationships to money.

But for the last year co-founder and chairman Elaine Rackett has been putting her own money into keeping the group going because running costs have continued to rise.

Now she can no longer afford to dig into her own pockets and is appealing for help from the community to support the organisation, which meets once a week at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre.

Mrs Rackett said: "We are local, low-key and voluntary and there is a real need for this group.

"Once your child reaches the age of five, a lot of groups ask you to leave and that's when a lot of the problems start - bullying, truancy, hormones, exams and everything else that goes with growing up.

"Our aim is to support parents and in some cases help them rebuild their confidence and self-esteem. We have had many who we have helped get off benefits and into full or part-time work."

During their morning sessions, 12 parents currently have a chance to chat about any problems or take a short course in first aid, arts and crafts, sewing or social skills.

While they meet, their under-fives are cared for in the leisure centre's creche.

The only criterion to join is to be a parent or guardian of an under-16.

Mrs Rackett said the group had received tremendous support from the staff at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre and Sure Start Weston over the last three years.

She is appealing to any businesses, groups or individuals who can offer financial donations to cover the annual £2,000 running costs.

Alternatively, donations of paper, an office chair, pens, pencils, A4 ring-binders and arts and crafts materials are welcome.

If you can help, call Elaine Rackett on 023 8068 5436 or e-mail choices4_families@hotmail.com.