AN innovative 'drop in' type service aimed at young people in the Okehampton area has exceeded all expectations, according to organisers.
The Key, based at Okehampton College and now entering its third year, was developed after discussions between local doctors, youth workers and the school nurse.
They shared the opinion that a facility offering relevant information, advice and support on emotional and physical wellbeing would not just be of great benefit to young people but to the community as a whole.
Carol Jones, community education youth worker, said: 'We wanted to be able to offer a space that young people felt comfortable with, and staff who were experienced in working with eleven to 20-year-olds, which we decided would be our target age group.'
Carol said the College campus was chosen as the most appropriate location, enabling students to access the service without going 'into town'. It is also easily accessible to non-students, as it is situated in the community centre.
Running every Monday lunchtime, The Key is staffed by the school nurse, who is family planning trained, and by an experienced youth worker.
The Key offers a friendly and confidential service, on an anonymous basis if desired, plus suitable and interesting information resources.
Carol said: 'Young people come in for all sorts of reasons.
'Some just to sit and read a magazine or leaflet, some to play one of the board games or watch a video, all of which are related to health and wellbeing'
She said some students come for treatment from the nurse, or to talk about worries with an experienced listener.
'Our aim is to offer young people information, advice and support on any issue connected to their general wellbeing, thereby enabling them to stay as healthy and happy as possible,' said Carol.
Opening hours for The Key are between 12.30pm and 2pm on Mondays during term time.