A SERVICE to help people with mental health problems is struggling to attract volunteers because of prejudice, it has been claimed.

The advocacy programme is hoping to offer a service to people in the Fareham and Gosport area who may need practical help or simply befriending for a variety of reasons.

Co-ordinator Moira Barr said: "We are trying to get the scheme off the ground and have a training programme sorted out.

"But I have a problem getting volunteers because of the stigma that goes with mental health."

She said none of the people being helped would be violent or dangerous, but for example people who had suffered breakdowns through bereavement or marital break-ups.

"Volunteers would provide partnership for the short or long term - perhaps helping with things like filling in forms but also just being someone to get to know."

She said the scheme would be rewarding both to the person being helped and the volunteer, and would provide an invaluable service.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the training programme, which will run in January, should contact Moira on 01329 827189.