ATHERTON volunteers are sought to help Wigan's equivalents of Harry Enfield's dysfunctional teenage characters Kevin and Perry.

The television characters who display a "don't know, don't care" attitude are being used to front the campaign to enlist volunteers.

Not all teenagers have the same attitude, but many do. Those in need of help and support also have good reason to mistrust adults.

As a result two open evenings have been organised by Wigan Social Services to hand out further information to would-be volunteers.

Those stepping forward will be asked to help support a wide variety of young people, including those who find themselves in a wide variety of situations such as being looked after by the Local Authority, being questioned by police and living independently.

Volunteer opportunities exist in several areas. These include:

Advocacy -- speaking up for young people who might have difficulty speaking up for themselves in threatening situations;

Befriending -- children whose families are experiencing crisis can often badly need an independent friend;

Independent visitors -- some children who are being looked after by the local authority have no contact with their own families for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the only visitors these children have are social workers. An independent visitor agrees to visit them from time to time and take an interest in their lives;

Appropriate adults -- under the police and criminal evidence act, young people when being interviewed by police must be accompanied by an 'appropriate adult';

Mentoring -- this involves becoming a friend and adviser to young people during the difficult transitional period between being looked after by the council and living independently. They particularly advise about education training and employment;

The Youth Extra Support Scheme (YESS) -- this provides general support and in particular the organisation of appropriate activities for young people living in temporary accommodation.

Volunteers do not need to be qualified. Training will be given and all volunteers receive support and supervision.

Anyone interested should attend the meeting at Ince Town Hall on August 1 between 4.30pm and 7pm, or The Turnpike Centre in Leigh on August 2, 4.30pm and 7pm. Independent