A FREE fun day is taking place in Weymouth to boost awareness of a family support service.

The Barnardo’s Parent Support Adviser (PSA) service works with local families to encourage children to achieve their potential through education.

Managed by Barnardo’s and funded through Dorset County Council, it helps children with their social, emotional and behavioural development, as well as parents affected by other pressures.

Now the project wants to offer a helping hand to even more people by organising a special event at Sharky’s indoor soft play park at Custom House Quay, Weymouth , this Friday, December 3 from 10am until 5.30pm.

Families are invited to the free event, with free refreshments and the chance to make the most of the huge multi-level facilities, including ball pools, cargo nets and rope swings.

Parents will be responsible for their children at all times but can learn more about the PSA service project and how it can help them to turn their lives around.

Potential volunteers are also welcome.

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Jeremy Coombe said: “We have already helped hundreds of families across the county, but we know that there are many people who sometimes feel nervous about approaching others for help.

“So we hope our Weymouth event will be a fun way for them to meet our staff and volunteers and learn more about what we do.

“We’re sincerely grateful to Sharky’s for their support and we look forward to welcoming lots of parents and children throughout the day!”

Aside from working with children, the Dorset PSA service also helps parents to find support to deal with drug or alcohol misuse, marital or financial difficulties, domestic abuse, imprisonment, bereavement or disability.

Project workers cover Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Christchurch , Corfe, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Purbeck, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Weymouth, Portland and Wimborne.

To find out more about the Dorset PSA service or entry to the Sharky’s event, call 01305 250161 or visit the website www.barnardos.org.uk/dorsetpsa to download a ticket.