Over the next two years Childline will receive £300,000 from the Department of Health to expand its volunteer workforce.

The charity will receive £200,000 in 2001/2 with an additional £100,000 to follow in 2002/3.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said: "Childline provides an invaluable service to children, giving them an avenue to talk about what is important in their lives. Supporting Childline is one of the many ways that the Government is showing its commitment to improving safeguards for children."

Childline has more than 930 volunteers who receive ongoing training, support and supervision. The service is confidential except in situations where a child is judged to be in extreme danger.

Counsellors listen to what the children have to say, encourage them to explore their feelings, consider how difficulties can be tackled and what the consequences could be if they took action.

The children are also helped to identify an adult in whom they can confide their problems.

The telephone number for Childline is 0800 1111.