LINE of Duty stars Vicky McClure and Daniel Mays have reunited to get behind a Warrington campaign to help children struggling following the impact of Covid-19.

The acclaimed actors are supporting the Steps Programme launched by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation.

The organisation, set up after the deaths of 12-year-old Tim Parry and three-year-old Johnathan Ball in the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, is currently helping 14 primary schools across Warrington and Liverpool struggling with pupil behaviour linked to the pandemic.

Great Sankey's Peace Foundation launched the Steps Programme after identifying psychological issues in nine and 10-year-old children, who could face exclusion from mainstream education without intervention.

The Steve Morgan Foundation funded the first year of the programme with a grant of £146,950 from the Community Match Challenge Fund but the charity is looking for fresh funding for year two.

Their campaign has been boosted by the appearance of Vicky McClure and Daniel Mays in a new eight-minute video promoting the work of the Steps Programme.

Vicky is best known as Kate Fleming in the BBC’s hit crime drama Line of Duty and appeared alongside Daniel in series three, when he played Danny Waldron.

The duo became patrons of the Peace Foundation when they starred in the BBC drama Mother’s Day, which depicts the story of two mothers brought together in the wake of the Warrington bombing.

Daniel said: “I am a father of two young children and the Covid-19 pandemic has been a real challenge for all of us, particularly for families and children.

“The pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the economy, health, and social care – exacerbated by the subsequent and continuing public health restrictions.

“The Steps Programme is not just helping children, and their families, it is also supporting school heads, leadership teams, teachers, and governors in coping and recovering.

“It is a vital programme that deserves support, and, in this film, you will hear what the programme is about and from some of the people who are taking part.”

The initiative equips children, including many from Warrington, with conflict resolution skills and builds their confidence, as well as giving access to vital support in schools.

It promotes social and emotional skills in primary school children to help them in their transition into high school and adolescence. Steps also provides trauma informed training to teachers.

Nick Taylor, chief executive of the Peace Foundation, added: “The funding to do this work only lasts a year, and yet this work is needed now more than ever. The work can only continue with financial support.

“Recovering from the pandemic will take a long time, but the Steps Programme is helping to make that happen.

"The film is an appeal, supported by Vicky and Daniel, to encourage financial support to continue this work and I would ask everyone to watch and share it widely, and consider financially supporting this work to continue in primary schools.”

The film, by former BBC North West Tonight chief reporter Dave Guest, can be viewed on YouTube.

For more information about the Steps Programme and the work of the Peace Foundation contact Nick Taylor at nick.taylor@peace-foundation.org.uk or 01925 581208.