Elim centre gets grant

The latest funding from the south-west regional development agency will be used to provide a youth bar, an online training centre and new kitchens, at the centre in Dews Road.

Already in place are a 51-place nursery and a sports hall, both of which are used by a wide range of community groups, charities and individuals.

The decision to provide a youth bar, an online room and a kitchen follows a community survey carried out in 2001.

Young people's needs were identified as a priority - somewhere for those not old enough to go to nightclubs to meet.

The £100,000 will be spent to provide a non-alcoholic bar and lounge, similar to the coffee bar in the television programme Friends, where young people can enjoy meeting friends away from the influences of drugs and alcohol.

With the facilities open daily, young people will be able to get soft drinks, hot beverages and snacks.

Personal development programmes will offer young people the opportunity to explore life-skills development and give them access to peer counselling and support groups.

The money will also provide an IT room where youngsters can do their homework.

All the time the centre is open, there will be trained youth workers on hand.

Elim minister the Reverend Malcolm Hathaway said the latest funding completed three years of fundraising. He said: "It means we can finally realise the benefits of our ambitious plans."

Sally Rackard, south-west regional development agency community facilitator, said: "We are excited to be involved in this project. The RDA is continually working to provide opportunities for learning and the development of skills in the region.

"By providing facilities such as these, we can help to offer young people the chance to extend their horizons, and support and encourage the provision of opportunity for them to explore areas of interest in a safe and supportive environment."