A NEW child helpline for youngsters in care in Southampton has been backed by TV star Esther Rantzen.

The free phone line aims to give youngsters in the care system a way of asking for help if they need it.

It has been set up in response to government guidelines laid out in the Childrens' Act, which says children supported by a local authority must have some means of making themselves heard.

Esther Rantzen, famed as founder of the national Childline service, said: "The safety and welfare of children is of paramount importance.

Southampton city council's excellent scheme will be an inspiration to other organisations involved in childcare and I wish it every success."

Of the city's 46,800 children and teenagers, 378 are looked after in some way by the council - through foster care, residential care or simply classed as children in need.

The approach was devised after consultation with young people in one of the city's residential homes. One youngster said: "When I was moving towards independence my foster parents were getting really stressed out over money, which upset me.

"If I had got help or some independent advice the situation may have been resolved sooner."

A leaflet is also being sent out to social services offices, all residential homes for young people, foster carers and the police as well as organisations who give advice and counselling to young people.

Called Unhappy Here's What You Do, gives youngsters a chance to write down their problems and ask someone to get in touch. The free helpline is available on 01703 833154.

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