A young persons' drop-in centre is getting a new look for the autumn.

A range of new services and longer opening hours are being offered at 185 London Road, Westcliff, which has helped out many young people since it was set up over a year ago.

Housing problems, benefit advice and health information are all areas which the service can help youngsters with.

Two late night sessions and new lunchtime openings have been set up. Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, 185 offers an 11am to 2pm drop-in session when young people can talk over a range of issues with youth workers.

Late night sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 9pm where young people can talk to a youth worker or see the family planning advisor for some sex advice.

A specialist drugs worker is available on a Friday afternoon and 185 is also open on a Saturday between noon and 3pm for general advice.

CHIL, the Southend young carers drop-in group meets at 185 every Monday between 6pm and 8pm, and welcomes new people.

Michael Bracey, youth services project manager, said: "185 is an exciting partnership which aims to provide an easy one stop shop approach to services for young people in the area.

"Something that has not changed at 185 is that young people can rely on finding the place friendly and relaxing, with workers who care and are trained to support you.

"You do not need an appointment, just call in!"

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