7:00pm Wednesday 18th June 2008
By Timothy John
A BUREAU for volunteers is being planned for a youth centre in Blandford.
Staff at the Treads youth centre on Salisbury Street hope to replace the town's previous volunteer facility, which closed four years ago.
The Blandford Regional Area Volunteer Organisation (Bravo) is the brainchild of local teenager Jonathan Stokes.
"Treads serves about 300 to 400 people and most of them agreed it was a good idea. I've emailed quite a few local organisations about placements," said Jonathan, 17.
The League of Friends of Blandford Community Hospital is one of the organisations to have been approach-ed with the teenagers' offer of young helpmeets.
Jean Durrant, the co-ordinator of the hospital's community services team, said Jonathan's plan was a "wonderful idea".
"When younger people get in touch it develops a help mentality' which is good news for all concerned," she said.
Valuable work experience will be gained by the young volunteers helping those taking part to develop independence, Jonathan hopes.
The project aims to promote a positive image of young people and to reduce antisocial behaviour by encouraging good citizenship.
Cllr Lynn Lyndsay, Blandford's deputy mayor, said Jonathan's idea was proof that the town's young people could have a positive influence.
"To highlight the efforts of young people with a positive attitude is absolutely superb. I hate the perception that all young people are trouble," said Cllr Lyndsay.
Young people working towards the Dorset Award, or the Duke of Edinburgh award, are among those organisers hope will benefit from the bureau.
The first stage of a 12-month plan is under way with funding applications being made to organisations including the Alec Dickinson Trust and the National Lottery.
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