Purple Elephant, the people behind the Toy Library and Children's Festival, urgently need new volunteers for their Befriending Service.

The service supports children aged between 5 and 12 years old with weekly chat and games with an experienced volunteer.

Initially run via Zoom, the sessions will soon be held face to face, and allow children some focused time with a trusted adult, talking through their worries or just playing games.

Purple Elephant director Sue Willis said: "We launched our Befriending Service at the end of last year and already have a waiting list! Our service makes a real difference to children who are feeling unsettled in the current climate and need some distraction from their worries or help working through their concerns.

"We're very keen to hear from anyone with recent experience of working with children in this age group and who can offer an hour or so each week to support local children. Our service relies on the generosity of volunteers and we're so grateful to our fabulous community for stepping forward to make the service work."

Purple Elephant are looking for volunteers with recent experience of working with children, such as retired teachers, nursery staff and social workers, or part time teaching assistants. Ideally volunteers will have a current DBS clearance and recent safeguarding training but these can be organised by Purple Elephant if necessary. If you fit the bill and are interested, please contact Sue on [email protected].