SUPPORT and advice which has helped thousands of Blackpool teenagers cope with their problems is being extended to Fylde and Wyre.

The Connect centre in Church Street has welcomed countless teenagers through its doors since it first opened three years ago, but recent research has indicated that it is too far to travel for those from other towns.

In response, the Fylde Community Health Trust has opened satellite centres, temporarily at Milton Street in Fleetwood until a new young people's centre is finished, and St David's Road South in St Annes.

Connect provides a counselling service, information and support on substance misuse, advice on sexual health and contraception. Staff are also involved in a number of outreach projects as young people find it easier to talk about their concerns in their own environment.

Counselling services will also be available at the two new centres, with appointments being made at the Blackpool office on (01253) 751047, while from May 10 a contraceptive service will be introduced led by doctors and nurses.

Funding has come from the North West Lancs Health Authority and co-ordinator Marie Simpkin feels it will help even more youngsters.

"So many young people have come through our doors in the past three years," she said. "We make them feel valued and help them discover a sense of self-worth. I have seen them come in looking fairly desperate but leaving feeling much more able to face their difficulties."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.