A SURVEY of young people who use a Thirsk Youth Centre has revealed that many teenagers in the area rely on the service for advice and support.

Staff at the Thirsk Clock, based in the Methodist Church Hall, on St James’ Green, asked 94 of the young people who attend the service to answer questions about what it means to them.

More than 90 per cent of the children rated the service as good or excellent, with more than half praising the one to one support on offer from trained staff to help them talk about problems at school or home.

The survey also revealed that a quarter of the respondents had already experienced a period of homelessness, with some having to sleep rough until Thirsk Clock was able to help them. Abigail Homer, manager of Thirsk Clock, said: "Feeling free to talk to us in confidence and knowing we will listen and do all we can to find a way forward is a vital service for these young people.

"A high proportion of the young people who use Thirsk Clock have found themselves in trouble with the police for reasons ranging from low level anti-social behaviour to criminal offences and one third had used drugs within the last 12 months.

"Many of these young people ask for support from the experienced staff team specifically to help them address their negative behaviour. Other young people come to the Clock purely for social reasons and for the range of indoor and outdoor activities that they can access there."

As well as emotional and relationship problems, many of the young people noted in their survey responses that they have serious concerns about unemployment and their future in the difficult economic climate.

Ms Homer said: "We offer support and seek a way forward wherever we can and it is because we are there to listen, in a world where many find it difficult to relate to parents and other adults, that makes the service we offer so special." The full report of the survey was presented to the Trustees of Thirsk Clock at their last meeting and is available to be viewed by the public.