Route 81 Youth Project

WHO ARE WE? The Route 81 Youth Project was formed in response to a community need for more activities for young people in the area, specifically teenagers. It grew from a partnership between the local Community Trust and the Parish Church and has now been given charitable status. Route 81 secured funding to employ a Project Worker and this post has been filled on a job-share basis by Val Flannigan and Michelle MacDonald. Now that a Project Worker is in place, the group's aim is to have a youth drop-in centre/internet café running at least 4 evenings per week with extra activities and events planned for occasional weekends and school holidays as well as providing a base for other opportunities such as distance learning and Youth Achievement Awards.

ROUTE 81: MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission is to provide positive and supportive leadership, dynamic opportunities for personal development and a fully resourced and dedicated facility for the young people of Garelochhead and Portincaple, in order that they may reach their full potential mentally, physically and spiritually, as individuals and as members of society.

ROUTE 81: AIMS 1.To provide a well resourced youth facility for young people between the ages of 11 and 18 in the communities of Garelochhead and Portincaple to meet in safety and comfort. 2.To provide individual help, support and advice to the young people of these communities. 3.To encourage the development of further resources and facilities available to young people within these communities. 4.To provide fully trained and resourced volunteer helpers/youth workers to ensure the long-term viability of the Route 81 Youth Project.

WHAT ARE WE DOING AT PRESENT? Until premises are secured, Route 81 continues to meet regularly in the New Church Hall for young people between the ages of 11 and 18. A programme of activities and excursions is in place which the young people are actively encouraged to plan and organise with the Project Workers.

WHY WE NEED YOU! Volunteers are essential to the continued success of Route 81, not only to comply with adult: young people ratios and assist with the implementation of an activity programme, but to offer friendship, mentoring and encouragement to the young people in this community.