Roadshow heralds improved services for young people

7.39.46pm GMT Fri 28th Dec 2007

Young people can find out more about major improvements in youth services in Richmond upon Thames at the first of a series of road shows in Twickenham next month.

Council-run youth centre, Heatham House, in Whitton Road, will host the first of six events to publicise the borough's new Integrated Youth Support Service, on Saturday, 12 January. Youth-focused Council departments are now working more closely with the police, voluntary groups, health services, the police and other partners for the benefit of 13 to 19-year-olds. The free event runs from 2-5pm and aims to show young people the range of services available to them in the area where they live. Visitors will be invited to take part in sports tournaments, enjoy live music and activities, or pick up information about volunteering or relevant issues. Five more events will take place across the borough before June 2008.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said: "We are committed to giving young people more choice, more things to do and places to go in their local area and a greater influence over what is available. Young people should also have greater opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the local community. They deserve better information and advice on issues that matter to them, and better support when they need help to deal with problems. The Integrated Youth Support Service is already delivering on these aims as we improve the way we work within the Council and forge closer links with all our partners. These roadshows will promote the changes and make sure young people know what services they are entitled to and how to access them. They should also be a lot of fun."