Bullying UK has agreed a merger with Parentline Plus, after the online bullying advice charity ran into financial difficulties.

As part of the deal, Bullying UK founder and CEO John Carnell has joined the merged charity’s digital media team.

The issue of bullying is on Parentline Plus’ agenda, having recently launched its Dealing with the Bullies briefing paper, while 5 per cent of ‘long calls’ to its helpline were from parents concerned about bullying.

Jeremy Todd, chief executive of Parentline Plus, said: “We believe combining the skills, expertise and profile of Parentline Plus and Bullying UK will enable us to support parents to find the best way through issues relating to bullying and the problems associated with it.

“John Carnell is a welcome addition to Parentline Plus’s digital media team and his knowledge and expertise will help us increase still further the breadth and scope of our work supporting families throughout the UK.”

Formerly known as Bullying Online, the charity has been running for 12 years but was hit by a fall in corporate support.

It supplies more than 150,000 leaflets to schools and youth organisations each year, provides counselling via email and has an iPhone app and mobile website.