DOZENS of parents are due to attend this evening's first meeting of a new support group for parents and teenagers.

Mum-of-two Valerie Kilby from Wilmslow set up the Wilmslow Teenage Support Group for Parents to offer help on subjects including mental health, bullying and social media.

The first meeting of the group is to be held at the Suburban Green restaurant in Hawthorn Lane, Wilmslow, at 7pm tonight.

The new group has sparked great interest among parents, organisations and professionals, and Valerie is extending a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come along tonight and support the group.

Valerie said: "I'm really looking forward to tonight's meeting, which will be a very informal get-together and an opportunity for everyone to build relationships and trust.

"The main aim of the group is to bridge the gap between organisations and the community by connecting great local services and expertise from all sectors with the wider community on subjects that could really make a difference to families.

"These include mental health, nutrition and internet safety, as well as issues that matter to local families, which was a major motivation for setting up this group.

"I spent 10 minutes on the phone today with a parent having difficulties with their child.

"She wanted to join the group, which was overwhelming. The potential to help so many families is wonderful."

Valerie has a 12-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son at Wilmslow High School.

She added: “There will be a questionnaire at tonight's meeting to find out from people what issues they would be interested in discussing and what they want from the group.

“There is a huge unmet need for emotional support for parents as well as their children, and the group aims to gain a greater understanding of the issues children have to deal with today and to see how we can support each other.

“When parents are going through issues with their children they can feel very isolated, and the group aims to support their emotional needs and empower them.

"We are also offering training and workshops for parents, and events for the community to coincide with awareness days."

The group is due to be held once a month, and will feature talks by professionals.

Anyone interested in attending can ring Valerie on 07772 446368 or visit the Facebook group Wilmslow Teenage Support Group for Parents.