New mobile service reaches young people at point of need

A brand new mobile advice and drop-in service that aims to support young people before they reach crisis point has been launched in North Kensington by Rugby Portobello Trust.

Through their existing youth work, RPT have found that many young people feel that traditional services are inappropriate for their needs or they don’t ask for support until it’s too late. Youth services across the UK have been cut back in recent years, and many services focus on crisis intervention, instead of prevention.

With bespoke facilities such as internet access and computers, as well as support workers and trained volunteers, the mobile advice centre will aim to engage young people with support that’s tailored to them, delivered directly within schools and their local communities in London.

Support for the whole community

The mobile service will also be available on Portobello Road every Thursday for the whole community to use, offering a mixture of offline support such as instant drop-in sessions, and digital support, via social media platforms and communication methods such as Skype and Facetime.

Service Coordinator Leone Buncombe said:

“The outreach bus will visit schools and colleges across the borough to promote youth services at RPT, as well as coming to Portobello Road and offering a comfortable setting for everyone in the community to meet with the team and discuss any issues they may be having or access advice on a range of topics.”

Operating out of a fully equipped mobile advice vehicle, the centre will work in partnership with other advisory organisations in the area to signpost members of the local community towards the right support, and help people navigate statutory services such as the benefits system.

To find out more about RPT's work in the community, read about services for young people, children and families.