THE problems faced by the most vulnerable young people in a Teesside town are to be discussed today by professionals who could help them.

The Support for Vulnerable Young People conference, in Middlesbrough, will focus on issues which have a negative impact on the lives of young people in the area. These include drug abuse and homelessness as well as sexual exploitation and the inability to manage money.

The Community Legal Service, in partnership with Middlesbrough Youth Service and Connexions Tees Valley, is hosting the event at Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre.

More than 60 delegates will be attending the meeting, including representatives from schools and colleges, young people's support agencies and mentors who work directly with young people.

The conference aims to encourage local professionals to provide ongoing and appropriate support for young people, especially teenagers.

Carlos Dos Santos, personal advisor for Connexions in Middlesbrough, said: "This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for delegates, who work their hardest to help young people, to learn new skills and develop good relationships with others working in same field."

The Community Legal Service has been active for almost three years in Middlesbrough, working to develop links with agencies to benefit the community.

Speakers include George Bennett, project co-ordinator at Middlesbrough Youth Service; John Keelty, acting director for services to young people at Connexions Tees Valley; and Yvonne Collins, regional planning and partnership manager on behalf of the Community Legal Service.

The event will also feature a series of workshops, including an introduction to Tees Valley Housing Floating Support Scheme; Make a Change -Young People's Drug Team; Middlesbrough Council housing needs and advice; Eclypse - a group which provides support for youngsters at risk from substance misuse and anti-social behaviour; money management with the Citizens' Advice Bureau; Middlesbrough Youth Service; and Connexions Tees Valley.