Young people in Runcorn and Widnes invited to try out ‘revamped’ youth services

May 3 2012 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Young people in Runcorn and Widnes invited to try out ‘revamped’ youth services

YOUNG people looking for something exciting to do have been invited to try out Runcorn and Widnes’s revamped youth service.

Following controversial changes to the service which sparked protests outside Runcorn Town Hall, Halton Borough Council said teenagers should try it out for themselves.

Activities available include singing, sport, DJing, dance, drama, film, photography and emotional support for social issues.

An outreach team has also been dispatched to roam the streets and speak to young people and to work alongside VRMZ – a youth club on wheels. The VRMZ bus visits parks and other popular gathering spots throughout the week.

Halton Borough Council said ‘nationally renowned’ bodies have been recruited to provide youth services. The agencies include Young Addaction, Catch 22, The Canal Boat Adventure Project, Brook Sexual Health Services, Barnardo’s, Connexions and Halton Council’s young people’s intervention team.

Services are also available at HRMZ and CRMZ youth centres, which the council described as ‘superb multi-media centres that offer a place to hang out and relax with your mates, alongside a superb range of world class facilities’.

The council’s commissioning manager John Bucknall, said: “So whether you’re looking for a listening ear some advice and guidance or an outlet for your creative talents, pay a visit to one of our centres, get in touch on the contact details that follow, or speak to the outreach teams on VRMZ bus and unleash your potential.”

A council spokesman said: “If you are 13-19 years old, living in Halton and looking for help and support or something exciting to do with your time, then Halton youth provision may be offering what you’ve been waiting for.”