Parentline Plus, which offers advice on parenting and child care, is looking for volunteers.

The organisation's call centre is in Eastleigh, close to bus and train stations.

It says volunteers need to be confident on the telephone and to be able to lend an ear to parents who are often quite stressed.

A free training course is held over four Saturdays. A spokesman said: "The skills we offer are transferable to the workplace and volunteers often find that, after our courses, they have the confidence to return to work."

The commitment they are looking for is approximately four hours a week, including a monthly meeting where further training is offered.

The spokesman added: "We do put on social events for the volunteers as well, so it is not all work."

Anyone interested in joining the team may call 023-80619826. The helpline number for parents is 0808 800 2222.