THE NSPCC says 271 children have been helped by a unique therapy to prevent harmful sexual behaviour.

The charity's Turn the Page programme is designed to help young people aged five to 18 to improve their psychological wellbeing and feel more optimistic about the future.

The service started in Cumbria in January 2010, and during that time 20 parents and carers have also been counselled to help them support their child.

Turn the Page involves 30 weekly sessions with specially trained practitioners as well as projects to be carried out at home.

Practitioners talk to the children about their strengths, and help them to feel better about themselves and learn to handle problems and challenges positively.

Children are also helped to understand the risks and dangers of harmful sexual behaviour, and to make and form positive relationships.

Rebecca Lynch, children’s service practitioner at the NSPCC’s Carlisle service centre, said Turn The Page was a hugely important service.

"Turn The Page helps young people to understand the difference between potentially harmful behaviour and healthy relationships. It also helps them to move forwards with their lives with a more positive outlook," said Rebecca.

“Our practitioners here in Cumbria do an amazing job, and thanks to their efforts and the engagement of service users, there are now 291 young people and adults who are better prepared to understand and feel better about themselves, handle problems positively, and move on with healthy relationships.”