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5/7/2010 - Mobile unit takes to the road to help young people in west Cumbria

A multi-use mobile unit to support and develop services for young people in Allerdale and Copeland is unveiled at a launch in Cockermouth on Thursday 8 July.

The custom built vehicle has been funded through a £41,000 Youth Capital Fund grant from the Department for Education. 

The need for a mobile unit was identified following the floods in west Cumbria in November where the lack of such a vehicle or accessible buildings had an impact on the ability of providers to respond quickly to crisis problems.

The purpose of the multi-use mobile unit is to provide a safe shelter in which youth services staff can meet with young people. 

Priority will be given to areas affected by the floods, young people from isolated rural communities and those living in socio-economically deprived areas. Increased contact time will enable youth services staff to engage with significantly greater numbers of young people and will help with the planning of programmes and activities.

Some of the equipment and facilities onboard include laptops, remote internet access, portable rechargeable lighting and disability access.

Young Cumbria, a voluntary sector youth provider in west Cumbria, commissioned by Cumbria Youth Support Services (CYSS), will be responsible for the vehicle.

Beverly Morgan, Strategic Manager (CYSS), Children's Services, Cumbria County Council, said:

"Young Cumbria youth workers engaged a lot of young people affected by the floods as part of a quick response to support them through difficult circumstances. The young people convinced us of their need for mobile access to support them in many different ways. The unit can be used as a safe venue to take part in positive activities and access information, as well as a meeting point for friends to hang out and socialise."

The vehicle launch will take place at the Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth at 6pm on Thursday 8 July.

Those attending include Children's Services staff, young people involved in the project and representatives from Government Office for the North West.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337.