A NEW free and friendly health advice service for young people was launched in Radcliffe on Thursday (Feb 7).

The Radcliffe Young Persons Advisory Service is based at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Blackburn Street and will operate on a weekly basis from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Councillor Sylvia Mason, Bury Council's youth spokesman, said: "There will be no need for an appointment and those who do call in will be able to get free, friendly and confidential information and advice. This will come from a nurse or youth worker and topics might range from all aspects of health, help for stress related problems, pregnancy testing, referral to expert agencies, contraceptive and sexual advice, support and guidance. In fact young people will be able to raise any youth related issues." The service will run for six months during which both local interest and demand will be assessed. The initiative is being led by the Radcliffe Health Group. This partnership, involving the council and health authority, is intended to develop and provide more responsive health services for people in Radcliffe, and in this case for the younger members of the community.

Coun Mason added: "This is a significant step forward and I am sure that it will provide invaluable support to the young people of the town."

Bury NHS Trust's Primary Care Services Manager, (South), Maria Woodhouse, commented: "This is a unique venture which will build on existing services tailored to meet local needs."