Young people in Torpoint are being consulted on health issues in an attempt to improve services for them in the town.

A series of meetings are being held to identify any gaps in services and to plan a way forward.

The meetings, part of the Cornwall Health Action Zone initiative, involve pupils from Torpoint School and representatives from various bodies and groups concerned with children and young people.

Health visitor Kathy Gilbert, the vice-chair of CHAT (Community Health Around Torpoint), said that the aim of the initiative was to provide the same standard of service throughout the county.

The meetings are looking at areas including housing, benefits, health and drugs.

One key element to have emerged already is that young people are keen to retain anonymity and to maintain confidentiality when seeking help with benefits and health matters.

Among other findings so far are:

*While free contraceptives may be available at local surgeries, most young people will not go to their own surgery because of a lack of confidentiality. Young people felt that they stood out like sore thumbs in the waiting rooms.

*Young people do not know where to go to get information on benefits.

*It is not easy for young people to get to the town's Citizens Advice Bureau in term time.

The young people like the idea of a café where they can talk to a youth worker and have access to useful information. This idea is being investigated.

Other options being explored by members of the meetings include that of having a youth worker and drugs outreach workers in the town.

The next meeting is due to take place on February 18. Kathy Gilbert would welcome further input from local people. She can be contacted on 01752 812850.