A NEW service aims to help Plymouth's growing number of young people in care.

Children's charity Barnardo's has been contracted by the city council to run the Plymouth Independent Visitor and Advocacy Service (PIVAS).

The charity is appealing for volunteers to support people aged between four and 18 who are helped by social services or in care.

The number of Plymouth children in care rose to 447 in June this year.

Jeanie Lynch, Barnardo's service development manager, said numbers have been rising nationwide since the high-profile case of Baby Peter Donnelly.

Following this tragic case, there have been more referrals made to social care agencies from people who believe children may be at risk, including parents themselves.

Jeanie said: "Being an independent visitor helps to safeguard children by building a relationship with them, spending quality time.

"Having stable relationships is incredibly important for young people in care, as so often the people in their lives change due to placement breakdown, changes in social workers and other issues."

PIVAS has been working in Plymouth since April and has four part-time project workers. It is appealing for volunteers for two different roles — 'independent visitors' and advocates.

Volunteer advocates perform a short-term service to help children with official meetings or reviews. They meet the young person to gain their views prior to meetings, often attending to support them to have their voices heard.

Being an independent visitor is a long-term role where a volunteer is matched with a child or young person and takes part in activities with them on a regular basis. The role is expected to last for at least two years.

The first round of volunteers — five visitors and six advocates — are trained and due to be matched with young people over the coming weeks.

PIVAS are looking for a range of "stable adults" to become volunteers, and specifically urge more men to come forward. Both roles are fully trained, risk assessments thoroughly carried out with close support and supervision systems in place.

For details contact Nick Jenkin at Barnardo's PIVAS on 01752 564572.