Safer 6 - The youth party bus is in town

Sandwell Council's young people's services, Sandwell & Dudley Brook and DECCA, the young people's drug and alcohol service for Sandwell, are joining forces for the special 'Party Bus' project.

The initiative is part of Safer 6, a six-week intensive safety campaign across Sandwell's six towns by the council, police and many others as the nights draw in.

The Sandwell Youth Bus is run by Sandwell Council's young people's services.

It is a key link for young people out in the community all year round, providing them with activities, information and advice on a wide range of issues. The bus has seven computers, all with internet access, two Play Station 3s, a workshop / 'chill out' area and a small kitchen.

As part of the 'Party Bus' project this half-term, young people will be asked their views and have the chance to discuss responsible and irresponsible drinking and how they can have fun without relying on alcohol.

The bus will also have DJ-ing workshops for young people to have a go.

The bus, which is aimed at young people aged 11 to 19, will be at the following places:

• Mon 24 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Red House Park, Great Barr
• Tue 25 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Britannia Park, Rowley
• Wed 26 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Rounds Green Library, Martley Road, Lion Farm
• Thu 27 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Windmill Youth Centre, Messenger Road, Smethwick
• Fri 28 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Brunswick Park, Wednesbury
• Sat 29 Oct, 5pm-9pm, Victoria Park, Tipton

Jon Bull, team manager for DECCA said: "If we listen to what young people feel about alcohol, and how they think we should tackle the issues, we are able to design information and services that fit their needs."

Councillor Linda Horton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure services, added: "We use the bus and youth activities to build relationships with young people across the borough.

"We also regularly have other organisations, such as the police, DECCA (Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice) and the Albion Foundation, working with us from the bus.

"Residents can see us working with young people in a positive way. Parents and carers can also come and talk to us about services."

For more information on the Sandwell Youth Bus, and other areas that the bus regularly visits, contact either Lisa Chalcraft 0845 352 8429 / 07973 550789 or Russell Allen 0845 352 8452 / 07813 319384.

You can also find out about youth activities this Autumn and throughout the year, at our Just Youth website or by calling 0845 352 8432.

For more information on the Safer 6 campaign, you can visit our Safer 6 web page.