TWO parents are setting up a bullying helpline after claiming not enough is being done about the problem.

But educationalists in Swindon have said they are already doing as much as they can to stamp out bullying.

That's It is being set up by Park North neighbours housewife Angie Robinson, 30, and Martina Lewis, 41, an IT sales manager.

They decided to do something for children in Swindon after Martina claims her daughter Jessica, 13, suffered at the hands of bullies.

The pair plan to start a helpline offering support to children, and then discuss pupils' problems with schools, the police and social services.

Mrs Robinson said: "Martina and I were talking about what could be done for her daughter, and there turned out to be no support organisation in Swindon.

"We don't want to criticise the schools because we know they are doing as much as they can.

"But if we can take a proactive approach and stop just one child getting seriously hurt then we have achieved our aim."

But Swindon Council's assistant director of education, Geoff Hogg warned that parents will need to be aware of important issues such as confidentiality and police checks for anyone working with children.

He said: "I have spoken to the two ladies to make sure they are aware of issues such as confidentiality, and we will help them where we can.

"It is a private initiative so it is not for us to say they can't do it. We'll offer our advice and let them get on with it.

"Bullying does happen but it happens everywhere, from the school to the workplace, and there are a whole range of strategies our schools use to stop it."

In November last year a mother from Swindon, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced jail because her 11-year-old son played truant for three months as he claimed he was too scared of bullies.

But there have been several successful projects in Swindon to hit back to hit back at the problem.

More than 200 students at Headlands School in Upper Stratton helped create the video Big Bully, with artists and film-makers Mike Juggins and Josie Williams of Ants In Yer Pants last year.

The film explored bullying in its many different forms, including mental and physical, and was of such a high standard that other schools incorporated it in lessons.

Andrew Nye, head of Seven Fields Primary in Greenmeadow, said the town's schools have a strong bullying policy in place.

He said: "My experience is that bullying does happen but not nearly as often as people think.

"All heads are aware of the situation and have ways of dealing with it."

John Wheeler, director of counselling for ChildLine South West said: "A desire to do something practical to help is admirable but may not always be the best available option.

"Setting up and running a helpline for children is not straightforward.

"Anyone answering calls must be properly trained in listening and talking to children about their problems and have the resources and support to know how to act in the best interests of the child.

"'There are also issues of child protection to consider, and the welfare and safety of the children using the service must always take the highest priority."

To find out more about the bullying hotline call Martina Lewis or Angie Robinson on Swindon 347799 or 07986 820746.

www.bullying.co.uk