:help: Hi to all, I'm hoping to open a Drop in Centre in my local area and would like some feedback as to whether you think this would be a good idea. This centre although is available for anyone will be more focused on teenagers and young adults that are perhaps more deprived than others. It will be somewhere for people to go to get help and advice, an education, be able to speak to qualified counsellors in private, have something to eat, and just chill out with mates. I aim to organise activities to suit all tastes, but most of all i aim to bring crime levels down by giving people somewhere to go instead of walking the streets bored and frustrated. I'm currently a foster carer, have 5 kids of my own plus a step daughter and everyone of them have made me such a proud mum that i just want to give so much more and be proud of so many more kids and young adults. I have such a passion for this and cant wait until it takes off. Any views would be much appreciated. kata

Sounds like a really good idea. Of course some people will highlight problems but I'm sure you are already aware of these and you should be commended for taking a positive step in trying to do something about the problems in society today.

Good idea, there are never enough things for young people to do. Do some consulting with schools and youth workers. There will obviously be the usual implications such as insurances, funding and resources to consider.

something that would attract funding from local government too, good one, best of luck

Thanks for your feedback. Yes i know all about funding, insurances, premises etc, i have a meeting at the end of the month with a guy from woodthorpe development trust. I have full support from the local police force, i have a local coucellors support plus numerous social workers, cousellors etc. I have a local college ready to start courses, an Army camp ready for boot camp, so its just the financial side i'm waiting for.:(

If such a center was to open near you would you be gratefull, or would you wish it were not on your doorstep??

I think its a great idea. I do hope it goes well. There should be EU money too for such a centre.

If such a center was to open near you would you be gratefull, or would you wish it were not on your doorstep??

I think it's a great idea, and would definitely be happy to have something like it on my doorstep. A lot of young people say they end up getting in to trouble because they are out on the street and one thing leads to another, and that if they had places to go they'd get in to less trouble.

One pointer: make sure you're doing things that young people want, and involve them in deciding what goes on. Best of luck.