STRUGGLING first-time parents will be given advice and support by a family project launched in East Malling. Malling Harmony, based at offices in Temple Way, has been set up by children's charity NCH to help people who need to develop their parenting skills from before the child is born until they reach school age.

Project manager for Kent Sue Martin said: "We want to break the cycle of poor parenting, which can be passed from one generation to the next. Some of the new parents we'll be trying to help will be young people who have been through the care system or who may have had somewhat inconsistent role models as children.

"We'll have an educative role, teaching the importance of play, both in group sessions and on home visits. But we'll also be trying to improve the parents' self-esteem, encouraging them to seek further education and employment."

The Malling Harmony project will work in partnership with Kent County Council's social services department and the health authority. Health visitors will be able to refer parents, mainly those living in East and West Malling, who may be in need of a boost

KCC's cabinet member for social care and community health, Peter Lake, said: "We're proud to be involved with this brand new project. We believe passionately that it will really help first-time and new parents to develop their children's social skills, and use play as a serious learning tool."

The scheme is the charity's third Harmony project in Kent and follows successful ventures in Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells.

If, as a new parent, you would like to know more, talk to your health visitor or call Malling Harmony on 01732 847592.