A NEW befriending service has been launched for parents of disabled children who use a Newport centre.

Face 2 Face, which is based at Sparkle’s Serennu Centre in Rogerstone and helps parents and children in Newport, south Torfaen and south Monmouthshire, is supported by charity Scope.

Laura Bone, Sparkle’s family liaison officer, said: “Volunteers can befriend up to two volunteers at a time and we are going to start a training course in the autumn.”

And the mayor of Newport Councillor Matthew Evans was there to congratulate nine volunteers who have already trained as befrienders.

The event was also attended by representatives from charities Contact a Family and the National Autistic Society.

For more information on the service, contact Jayne Jones or Laura Bone on 01633 748013 or e-mail family.liaison.ABB@wales.nhs.uk