Her face has graced catwalks and magazines and now Miranda Kerr is the face of a kids counselling service.

The international model has become the ambassador for the telephone and online Kids Helpline in a bid to raise community awareness about the issues faced by young people.

"I want every child in Australia to know that there is someone who will listen to them, someone who can talk to them, no matter how big or small the issue," she told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old said there was no shame in asking for help.

"We all have challenging days, we all go through moments in our lives where we do need advice," Kerr said.

"I really want to encourage the younger generations to believe in themselves."

Kids Helpline general manger Wendy Protheroe said having Australia's favourite model as an ambassador would help the service engage with young people aged between five and 25 years.

"They used to talk to us about family problems.

"Now it's moved to mental health and relationship problems, as well as child abuse and suicide," Protheroe said.

Kerr, who lost a younger cousin to suicide several years ago, said being a mother to two-year-old Flynn had also influenced her decision to get involved with Kids Helpline.

"It's important they have someone to turn to for advice that will help them grow and flourish into little human beings," she said.

Raising awareness about the importance of youth counselling could change lives, Kerr said.

"I have a voice now, and it's important for me, personally, to use that in a positive way."     

* Anyone aged 5-25 seeking support can contact Kids Helpline online.

- AAP

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