PARENTS of children suffering from a behaviour disorder are being urged to set up support groups, to help each other tackle the problem.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can play havoc with home and school life, but the impact can be reduced if information, advice and support are available at an early stage.

Since September 1998, Durham County Council social worker Helen Kell has been working in Derwentside, to raise awareness of the disorder and offer advice and help to parents and carers.

The post comes to an end in September, but Ms Kell is encouraging parents to keep on supporting each other beyond the end of the project.

Ms Kell, whose post is supported by Derwentside Primary Care Group, said: "I know from my experiences that parents of children diagnosed with this condition are frequently frustrated, and in some cases socially isolated, due to their child's challenging behaviour.

"But information and contact with parents can help, and a great deal has been achieved since this resource became available.

"I have worked closely with parents to establish a flexible service with different levels of support, which respond to the individual needs of parents and children.

"Support groups meet on a regular basis around the area. The content of the meetings is based on what the parents themselves want. It is all very informal, but works."

In her post Ms Kell organised roadshows, coffee mornings and presentations to raise awareness of the condition, as well as undertaking individual work with families on a variety of issues.

Information packs are available around Derwentside, and interest in the project has been demonstrated countywide.

Helen said: "I am urging the support groups currently in place to continue to operate, and I would also like to see further groups emerge."