Youthline is a telephone information and support service for young people aged 14-25, based in Worcester but reaching out to Worcestershire as a whole.
That description doesn't really do us justice though, because it can give the impression that you need to have a problem to call us.
Whilst help with problems and support in a crisis is an important part of our work, it is by no means all we do. Our aim is to respond to anything and everything a caller may wish to know......we've been asked about all sorts of things, from whale watching to hang gliding, from problems at home to where to go paint balling!
The Youthliners
Another unique aspect of Youthline is that it is operated by a team of trained volunteers (or Youthliners) aged 16-25. They not only answer the calls but also research information for our extensive Youthline database. They will also `surf the Net' if a caller hasn't got access themselves - not a problem for you if you're reading this, of course!
Got nowhere decent to go? - tell us about it!
One of the big ideas we have is to find out where there is room for improving what's on offer for young people and if what is already available is OK. If we find out through people who contact us that changes need to be made, we will ask the Youth Council (the people behind Youthline) and our partner organisations in the Worcester Youth Affairs Forum to act. It's really all about finding effective ways of bringing different people together to help each other.
Worcester Youth Council
The Youthline project was set up by Worcester Youth Council (registered charity number 513486), an organisation run by young people for young people. Their priority is to represent the views and interests of young people across the city and beyond. If you would like to know more about Worcester Youth Council, just ring that wild and crazy number FREECALL 0800 096 1425 or e-mail us
Support
The Youthline project is supported by the Worcestershire County Youth Service and a large network of agencies, councils, organisations and voluntary groups called the Worcester Youth Affairs Forum.
Funding
Our funding comes from a National Lottery Charities Board grant over 3 years. We launched at the end of June 1997 and `went public' from the beginning of September. However, the original idea was conceived back in November 1995 and the grant-enabled development work to begin in November 1996. Over a year has already passed, so we are on the lookout for future funds to sustain and develop the project into the next millennium. If you are in a position to support us, we'd like to hear from you!
Get in Touch
In fact we'd like to hear from you anyway! If you are `local' you can telephone us on weekdays on FREECALL 0800 096 1425 between 4.00pm & 10.00pm or you can email us anytime and we'll respond as soon as we can. Any comments on our first attempt at a website would also be appreciated !
