THE drop-in centre for the Social Inclusion Programme, entitled mp33, is now open at 33 Grant Street.

Aimed at providing a service to meet the needs of young Merkinch people between 14 or 15 and 24 or 25 (“hey, we’re flexible!”), the SIPs’ programme already has a number of schemes on the go. For instance, the one-week First Gear programme – covering driving skills, basic mechanics, and road sense – is being run again. The date for this is provisionally 3-8 July, but get your name in now as places are limited.
Computer-literate young people with 'Net know-how are being sought to help set up and maintain mp33’s web site.

And finally, a programme called Activities to Go, which has already started, still has lots of room for everyone between 10 to 25 wishing to have a go.

• On a Thursday nights the 10 to 15-year-olds meet at Merkinch Community Centre to try out all sorts of activities. The cost per session is 50p for an hour and a half.
• On alternate Friday afternoons, 20 to 25-year-olds can enjoy taster sessions at such activities as the Climbing Wall at Inverness Sports Centre - cost £1 per session.
• And on alternate Saturdays, the 16-19 age group have the opportunity to go day trips such as sailing and kayaking to Loch Morlich, and similar adventures. These cost £2 per day.

For more information on the Activities to Go programmes, ring mp33 at 717639 or Ross at the Sports Centre on 718483, or drop in and ask at No. 33.

And if there is anything else you want to know about what is going on, mp33 is at present open 9 to 5 on weekdays. See the flyer in this month's News and Views for general information.

Finally, as always, mp33 is looking for adult volunteers. If you are interested in young people and have the time, energy and interest, ring Ivor or Gill at 717639 or just pop in.