Saltash call for drop-in health centre
Concerns about health issues, drugs, and violence in Saltash were expressed in the largest piece of research ever carried out into the fears and needs of young people in the town.
In a report outlined to town councillors recently it was said that 498 of 557 young people surveyed last year felt there should be a health drop-in centre for youngsters in the town.
As a result Andy Rance of 'Livewire', which carried out the research, said he believed there are strong grounds for establishing some form of local health provision for young people in Saltash.
Many youngsters said they felt uncomfortable visiting their family's GP, while l48 of the 557 maintained they had nowhere to turn to for health advice.
Mr Rance said that one of the main issues was that of sexual health, followed closely by the need for advice on drugs, healthy eating, alcohol and smoking.
In the research, carried out by 'Livewire' formerly Saltash Boys' club, young people aged between 12 and 20 were surveyed over a three week period in November l998. Those taking part were interviewed by youth workers and teenagers.
Other issues which were ranked as important were homelessness, lack of affordable accommodation, crime, unemployment, drugs in general, and the environment. Many of those surveyed were afraid of violence in the town, most of these being young males.
There was a call for cheaper swimming and sports facilities, and a burger bar, as well as a cinema, an alcohol free night club, a skate board and BMX park, a cafe, and a youth council. A total of 344 of those interviewed did not belong to a youth organisation at present, reasons given varying from lack of knowledge about such organisations, and the time which had to be given to school work, to the fact that the youth groups which are being run were termed 'boring'. Over 350 youngsters believed they should have a voice in what goes on in the town, but felt that their views were not valued.
Mr Rance said that 'Livewire' would be developing both leisure activities - particularly watersports and outdoor activities - as well as information and advice services.
The new council will discuss the report after the May elections.