FAMILY charity Parentline Plus is launching a special project to provide help and support to families affected by the floods.

The Gloucestershire-based project aims to give emotional support to parents to help them cope with family life in difficult circumstances.

The charity, based in Stroud, has already worked with some flood victims who say the disruption to children's sleep by moving to temporary accommodation, anger at still being homeless after such a long time and overcrowding is all adding to the pressures.

"We hope to support parents with skills and ideas, such as boundary setting, assertive communication and reflective listening to help them cope with family life in very testing circumstances," says Parentline Plus' Mandi Holt, who is running the project.

There are still around 95 families living in caravans in Tewkesbury alone and around 300 in temporary accommodation all over the county. Priority will be given to parents who are still living in caravans or temporary accommodation in areas including Tewkesbury, Brockworth, Longlevens and Prestbury.

"We are hoping to get our message across to as many parents as possible that we are here to help," added Mandi. "We will be offering individual support, face to face or on the phone to enable parents to talk about their own feelings and discuss difficulties they may be having with their children's behaviour."

Support groups will be on hand so families can share their experiences and advice is also available on the charity's 24-hour free, confidential Parentline - 0808 8002222.

Parents or professionals interested in finding out more can contact Mandi on 01453 768160.