Bullying, school exclusion, domestic violence and learning difficulties are just some of the issues, which can affect the way children behave - that is why a special support group is now available for young people living in the Tidworth Community Area (TCA) and across Wiltshire.

The ‘Families in Focus’ project  is a professional service, which helps families with children aged 8-13 years-old and aims to support youngsters at an early stage by providing guidance to a crime-free future.

“Some of these young adults have communication issues and their only way of showing that is sometimes doing things that are not acceptable to the community. We want to get to know them and try to help find out what they want and put in place activities and actions to support them,” said Vanessa Brown.

The service includes vital elements, such as family counselling, one-to-one mentoring, personal development programmes and a domestic violence outreach service.

"We work closely with the children and their parents, as well as local authorities and voluntary groups to help co-ordinate and provide services designed specifically to help this age group,” added Vanessa.

Castledown Radio's Shirley Swain chatting to Vanessa Brown

Click here to listen to Castledown Radio’s Shirley Swain talk to Vanessa about the project or call Vanessa directly on 01225 793616 to find out more.

You can also visit: www.wiltshirepathways.org for more information.