THE youth advice and information centre in Grant Street - mp33 - is under new management, as from 22nd October.

Until now the centre, the only one of its kind in the Highlands, has been managed by Merkinch Community Centre Association (MCCA). They had already decided not to continue managing the Social Inclusion contract after April next year, but with the youth development worker, Gill Maclennan, moving to a new post with Careers Scotland, it was decided to bring forward the transfer of management to Highland Council’s Community Education Service.

MCCA has successfully launched mp33 making available a wide range of services to young people in the community including the Employment Action team, Brook sexual health advice centre, Inverness College, the Housing service, Social Work services and others. The project also provides a range of other services such as information packs for young tenants, DIY and budget cooking advice, young mum’s drop-in sessions, a motorcycle group, First Gear courses, sports training and drop-in evenings for youngsters.
The summer programmes saw a wide range of outings and sports activities.

It is intended that the activities along with the information and advice service will continue and hopefully there will be an increase in staff to respond to the increasing demand for such services from young people in the community.
This will build on the services made available by Community Centre staff and help develop more facilities for young people.

Merkinch Community Centre staff would like to thank all those who have helped and supported mp33 during the last two and a half years and hope that this support will continue. Anne McCreadie, chairwoman of MCCA said, “It is very gratifying that the Highland Council’s Community Education Service is willing to take over the running of this very valuable service being offered to young people in the Merkinch area.”