A leading Labour politician has applauded the launch of a contemporary mobile unit that will give thousands of Trafford’s young people access to support on a wide range of issues.

Trafford Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Catherine Hynes, welcomed the safe space, which will help the borough’s youth workers reach out to young people in a more informal setting.

The new facility, commissioned by the local authority and Hotel Trafford, is fully equipped with seating for 12 people with an added bonus of providing hot drinks and snacks – and will be run by, Street Talk, the borough’s detached locality youth work team.

The launch of the new mobile hub coincided with this year’s celebrations of Youth Worker week.

Cllr Hynes, Trafford Council’s executive member for Children’s Services, lavished praise on the new venture when she attended the launch event, at Lostock Park, on Tuesday, describing it as yet another excellent way to support the borough’s young people.

She added: “It is vital that we explore different ways to reach out, educate and engage with all the borough’s teenagers regardless of where they live.

“And if, for whatever reason, we cannot reach them in the usual way, we can offer the same excellent support within their own communities where they may feel safer and more open to ask for help.

“It is vitally important our young people have access to advice on difficult issues such as drug and alcohol awareness – and I applaud this innovative pathway that will provide that support.”

The mobile facility, staffed by several youth workers, has already visited various sites areas across the borough meaning more than 1,300 youths have had access help and education.

The unit has already enabled the team to deliver more targeted sessions in the community on issues such as:

• Drugs and alcohol awareness
• Conflict Resolution and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction
• Sexual health
• Skate park redesign

Cllr Hynes expressed her thanks to every person and organisation involved in the scheme, adding: “On behalf of myself and all my Labour colleagues we are confident this endeavour will be a major success and a huge benefit to all the young people living within our borough.”

Hotel Football’s GM, Chris Hull, alongside his colleague, Director of Sales and Marketing, Jess Southworth, attended the launch and proudly handed the mobile unit’s keys to the Street Talk team.

Mr Hull said: “Over the years, we have collected donations from our guests and supporters on matchdays, and it is fantastic to see this project come to life using some of that resource.

“To be able to give back and make a difference to the wider community is something very important to us and will continue to be for years to come.”

For further information on the project visit: Facebook and search, Street Talk Trafford Youth Work.