THE Harlow Young People's Information Centre which has moved to purpose-built accommodation at The Foyer has seen its busiest ever month.

Visitor levels are up nearly 300 per cent on the start of the year.

During July, 150 young people visited the walk-in centre nurse at The Foyer compared with 54 in January.

Mary Jackson, lead nurse for young people and walk-in centre nurse, is now based at the Foyer, which means that a qualified nurse is on hand at all times, even outside the official drop-in sessions.

She said: "We've been rushed off our feet this past month which is very good news really.

"The location is an improvement on the centre's former home in Market Square but more pertinent I feel are the extra services we can now provide.

"In addition to myself, we now have a crisis counsellor from Young Concern available throughout the week to offer counselling and we also have a sexual health consultant available twice a month."

The centre offers all the core services that are available at the walk-in centre but concentrates on sexual health issues with its target group being young people aged 13 to 25.

Mary said: "The average age of visitors is 15 to 16 and most of their concerns revolve around sexual health, particularly contraception.

"It worries me sometimes just how many myths and wrong ideas young people of this age have so our role has a very strong educational emphasis as well as practical help."

The official drop-in sessions are Monday, noon to 2pm; Tuesday, noon to 6pm; Wednesday, noon to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm; Thursday, noon to 2pm; Friday, 2pm to 5pm and Saturday, noon to 4pm.

For more details, ring 01279 625735.