'Gang' helpline for parents

A HELPLINE has been launched for worried parents whose children have become involved in gangs.

The 30,000 Scottish Government-funded project will be run by ParentLine Scotland and the police's Violence Reduction Unit. It will have advisers offering "reassurance and guidance" to families over the phone and via e-mail.

Alison Todd, director of children and family services for Children 1st, the charity that runs ParentLine Scotland, said: "We know from the calls we get that a lot of parents are worried that their child's friends may be having a negative influence on them and also that some may be involved in gangs."