WEST Devon's new mayor Cllr Richard Phillips has selected the Youthwize Project as his chosen charity for the year.

Cllr Phillips said he had chosen the theme of youth for his year in office and was keen to promote the work that young people do.

'Youthwize is a very worthy cause because of all the essential services it provides to young people — particularly those who live in our most rural of areas,' he said.

The Youthwize Project was established in West Devon in 1997 and was initially funded by the lottery.

In 1999 it merged with the Devon Youth Association.

The charity's main aim is to enable young people to make informed decisions, providing a free confidential service in a safe environment.

Its services include Wheelz — a unit which takes all areas of work into the rural community where young people are isolated and unable to access information and support — and Young Carers.

This service has recently received £12,000 from The Prince's Trust to produce drama work around the issues of young carers.

There is also an Under 19s drugs and alcohol section working in schools, colleges and youth groups offering one-to-one support and group work, together with Pinpoint — a counselling service provided by a team of counsellors in Tavistock and Okehampton.

This has referrals from GPs and self-referrals.

Youthwize also provides information concerning sexual and mental health, housing, welfare, benefits, employment and healthy eating.

Project manager Di Simpson said everyone at Youthwize was thrilled with the recognition from the mayor.

She said: 'Long may we be able to work with young people in the community and provide innovative ways of working.'