YOUTH Genesis has opened the doors to a new youth drop-in at St Clement’s Church Hall in Townstal.

A team of newly trained youth work volunteers will be running the project, which is free to 13 to 19-year-olds.

Youth Genesis has been working with churches, community groups and organisations in Dartmouth over the past 18 months to replace some of the youth services lost in the town.

Links have been developed with the Townstal Community Partnership and Dartmouth Academy with an aim to provide activities and support for young people.

The new drop-in will offer young people a place to ‘hang out’ where they can enjoy games, music, engage in workshops and get snacks.

The team of volunteers, led by Tim Moss, attended a six- week course to help them deal with some of the challenges that young people may face.

A team of workers will also be working with young people who are hanging out on the streets at Townstal.

Three youth workers will provide confidential information and support for 11 to 19-year- olds and help to ensure that they are safe.

Last year, the street teams said they successfully supported around 500 young people at the Dart Music Festival and during the regatta.

Jonathan Oliverio, lead youth officer at Youth Genesis said: ‘We’re so encouraged by the opening of this fantastic new project, with a team of skilled volunteers, we’ll be able to offer much needed activities and support for our local teenagers.’

Tim Moss, session leader for the Dartmouth team, said: ‘The support for the drop-in from the community has been great. We’re all really excited by this great opportunity to serve our community and get to know the young people of Townstal and Dartmouth.’

The Youth Genesis Trust specialises in offering activities and opportunities of learning and support for young people who are at risk.

The youth drop-in is open every Friday during term time from 7-9pm at St Clement’s Church Hall.

For more information, telephone Tim Moss on 07581 779160, email [email protected] or visit http://www.youthgenesis.org.uk