Bus could provide link to Guernsey's youth

by GD Fri 12 Feb 2010, 10:50 am

The Streetbus will be available to all the island's youth organisations

Charitable and States youth organisations are hoping that a minibus can help create a connection to some of Guernsey's disenchanted youngsters.
Andrea Nightingale, drug and alcohol strategy co-ordinator, said: "I'm really excited... it's been a long time coming."
She explained: "We want to take the bus out to young people who may not want to access the agencies we have already."
The bus is open to be used by any of the youth support agencies in Guernsey.
The minibus, dubbed Streetbus, features mobile facilities including a television with DVD player and computer access.

Bus could provide link to Guernsey's youth _47282658_dsc_1274

Inside the bus are both recreational and work-based equipment

The bus was funded jointly by Help a Guernsey Child, the Youth Service and the Drugs and Alcohol Strategy.
Stuart Crisp from the Drug Strategy Action Group of the Guernsey Probation Service was also excited to see the bus come into service.
He said: "If our workers can get out onto the street it will help the young people and give them the direction they need."
This was not the first time that such a scheme had been attempted, however, Stuart pointed out that in the past the quality of the vehicle "just wasn't there".
But, he explained: "This bus starts to show young people that they are valued even if they are out on the street."
The bus is available to many organisations across the island including church groups and the sports and arts commissions. (from BBC)