Scheme offers 'friendly face' to young people during TT festival
A safeguarding scheme is set to provide a "friendly face" to vulnerable young people who need support during the TT period, the coordinator of the project has said.Run by St Christopher's, which supports those in care, the Streetwise initiative was expanded in 2024 to include everyone under the age of 18.Situated at a base near the Douglas Promenade war memorial until 8 June, its members will be on hand to help young people who finds themselves in a vulnerable position.Steve Taylor said staff had previously helped teenagers with issues ranging from lost bus fares and stolen belongings to safeguarding concerns.
He said with up to 50,000 visitors to the island across the festival fortnight helping to create a "tremendous atmosphere" there was "a lot of temptations for young people".The service has been backed again this year by Manx Care, the police and the Douglas City Council.
Mr Taylor, who is also head of children's residential services at St Christopher's, said the risks facing young people during the TT could be "challenging" but the service offered a "safe place". "Our key message is, 'if something happens to you, there's people available who can support you'," he said.Mayor of Douglas Steven Crellin said Streetwise was a "brilliant community initiative that's there for our young people when they need it most". "It's had a clear and positive impact on children and families across Douglas and it's great to see so many local organisations working together to make it happen," he added.The charity's representatives, which will also patrol the area in hi-visibility tabards, would be available between 18:00 and 02:00 BST each day.
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