MORE than 200 young people have visited a young persons' information fair hosted by Tavistock College recently.

Nine organisations took part, offering students free advice and guidance covering a wide range of public health and support services.

Tavistock College offered to host the Connect event to provide young people with more freely accessible information, following the findings of a survey conducted across South Hams and West Devon.

 Among the organisations taking part was West Devon Borough Council's 'Our Plan' team, which is developing the strategic plan and vision for how the Borough should 'look' over the next few decades.

Visitors had the chance to have their say and contribute to the vision.

Gill Till, the council's children and young people officer, was also at the event to find out more about what information and services students needed.

 To thank the students for coming along to the event they were given the chance to win a £25 voucher. The lucky winner, Year 7 Lewis Steer, was chosen by West Devon mayor, Cllr Christine Marsh.

 In response to the survey, a new Facebook page specifically targeted at young people was launched by West Devon Borough Council at the fair. 

'iBox Devon' is a new social media site designed to support and reach out to young people in the area, giving them the opportunity to air their concerns and provide them with access to helpful information, support and news items.

 The site also aims to equip them with the relevant tools and information to help them make decisions for their futures. Through the platform, students can have their say by commenting or sharing posts for the benefit of their friends, as well as viewing videos.

The borough council hopes that the site will also help to develop the way in which the authority works with young people.

 The feedback from all involved was so positive that the Connect team hope to run similar events in the coming years.

 To visit 'iBox Devon', please head to: http://www.facebook.com/IBoxDevon">www.facebook.com/IBoxDevon

 To keep up-to-date with West Devon Connect events, you can follow them on Twitter: @SHWDConnect and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHWDConnect">www.facebook.com/SHWDConnect