Young people often find it difficult to talk about their problems so, rather than waiting for them to come forward, a touring Talkbus visits them.

It has been in service for three years now and in that time has worked with more than 11,400 young people, aged between 13 and 25.

The Talkbus is currently at Central Parade, New Addington, and will be open every Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm throughout November and December.

A report has just been published praising the work of the bus that has dealt with more than 1,100 formal information enquiries.

It deals with a range of issues concerning young people including sexual health, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, self-esteem and general welfare issues.

In addition to its street work programme, Talkbus has worked in partnership with a diverse range of agencies such as schools and colleges, health promotion departments, school nurses, youth hostels and voluntary projects.

One of its strengths is its ability to put young people in touch with the services they might not have otherwise have made contact with.

The report included feedback from the young people who have benefited from the work.

One young person said: "They will listen if you've got problems, that's good because young people tend to bottle things up."

And another said: "Really friendly - you could ask them anything."

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