Chorley youth group extends support to youngsters in South Ribble as it launches helpline during crisis

Young people who are in need of support and help during the virus pandemic will be able to call or text a new helpline
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Chorley youth community charity Inspire Youth Zone is working in partnership with Chorley Council to provide critical support to children and young people in the Chorley and South Ribble area during the Covid-19 outbreak

Janine Blythe, chief executive of Inspire Youth Zone, said: “Inspire was created to provide the young people of Chorley with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

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“Even though the centre is closed, our specialist youth workers are absolutely committed to being there for the young people of Chorley in these challenging times.

Coun Alistair BradleyCoun Alistair Bradley
Coun Alistair Bradley

“We have also taken the decision to extend our support to the young people of South Ribble.

“We don’t want any young person to feel they don’t have anyone to talk to, we are here for them all - members or not.”

Coun Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council said: “It’s so important that young people across the borough get the help they need during these challenging times. Inspire are a key element of our Chorley Together campaign providing help for all during this time and I’m delighted that Inspire Youth Zone are providing such important support locally.”

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Coun Paul Foster, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Inspire Youth Zone is providing a vital support lifeline for our young people. If you are a young person who is struggling to cope with what is happening now, please get in touch. Inspire Youth Zone are there to help.”

Along with the one-to-one assistance provided by the crisis line, Inspire Youth Zone has launched ‘Youth Zone at Home’ through social media, engaging and inspiring young people across the boroughs.

While the charity usually works on a membership basis, this has been suspended to allow help to be offered to all those young people who need it.

Young people can text 07984 357 293 to speak confidentially on a one-to-one basis with experienced youth workers.

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The text line is open every day from 10am to 9pm with an out of hours service available by texting YOUNGMINDS to 85258.

To help Inspire Youth Zone’s charitable efforts, people can donate £5 by texting ‘INSPIREAPPEAL’ to 70085.