NEW CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SET TO OPEN IN DROMORE
A NEW centre offering young people help and advice with a range of issues, including drink and drug abuse, is due to open its doors in Dromore later this month.
A satellite office of the 'Info-Station' drop-in centre newly opened by REACT Ltd. at Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, the Dromore centre, in Princes Street, will likewise offer advice on issues such as drugs and alcohol, suicide and self harm, mental health and wellbeing, relationships, school and employment, among others.
The premises are currently undergoing refurbishment and opening hours have yet to be finalised, though according to Councillor Norah Beare, who this week welcomed news of the facility, they will probably take in after-school and evenings; consultations will take place with young people to establish when they would be most likely to use the centre.
Said Mrs. Beare, "REACT are also keen to work in partnership with local community groups/schools/youth clubs/PSNI to do some worthwhile projects with young people and the community.
"The Centre will also provide an opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and there will also be free internet access. All the information services offered by REACT are free and I would encourage the young people in our community to make full use of the centre in order to make it a success."
Meanwhile, pupils from Dromore High School who attended the recent launch of the Banbridge centre said it was a great idea for the area.
Year 11 pupil Terri Cain, a member of the youth forum in Dromore, said, "It is really good because it gives people my age somewhere to go and something to do."
Rebecca Rooney, a Year nine pupil, said, "I go to Dromore Youth Club every week and it's great fun because we get to do different activities but we also learn about things like alcohol and drugs."
The most recent (2007) research revealed that more than three quarters of teenagers who have consumed alcohol did so aged 13 or younger.
The Banbridge 'Info-Station' is fitted out with comfortable seats, free internet access and a Wii station for teens who want to meet up and talk about any issues or problems they may have.
But according to Youth Information and Advice Co-ordinator Mary Kate McKevitt, who spoke at last week's launch, the 'one-stop-shop' centre is not just for young people.
"We are here as a point of contact for young people affected by these issues," she said, "but we also want to be able to point those who are worried about other people - family members or friends - in the right direction."
Craig Cook, Director of REACT, added, "The Info-station will employ two frontline members of staff who are very well trained and experienced in health and youth work. They will act as a focal point of contact for the young people and provide a referral 'gateway' to a wide range of health service providers from both the statutory and voluntary/community sectors."
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
