Positive Steps Oldham, and Oldham Council have developed the North West’s first targeted youth support centre, based at Positive Steps Oldham (formally The Connexions Centre) offering a range of targeted information, advice and guidance services for young people- all at one location.
‘It was decided that the best way of providing support to those young people that need it most would be to develop a ‘One Stop Shop’, of services and facilities most accessed or needed all based under one roof.’ explains Tim Mitchell, Chief Executive, Positive Steps Oldham.
‘Throughout the development process we have been in constant consultation with young people to ensure the finished article is something they will both need and use. As a result of their feedback and suggestions we have installed a kitchen area where they can make food, as well as shower facilities, a chill out area and washing machines. This will help provide basic facilities that some young people living chaotic lifestyles won’t have access to.
As well as this The Centre also has, a full time health team offering advice and treatment on a range of health issues, confidential health consulting rooms, soundproofed meeting rooms, a therapy room offering complimentary therapies, computers with internet access and CV packages, and a video link to young offender institutions.’
The core services to be based in The Centre will include: Connexions, Youth Offending Service, Aftercare, Oasis, the Youth Service, Off the Record counseling service, housing mediation and the PCT health team.
A range of other services will also be using The Centre on a project basis for example there are already groups delivering workshops and drop ins to young people on self esteem, anger management, teenage parents, and healthy eating. Opening hours have been extended to include weekends and late nights- ensuring that young people can access facilities, services and workers when they most need to.’
The Centre is open from 9.00-5.00 Mondays and Fridays and late nights Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 7.00pm and 10.00-2.00pm on Saturdays
