A RECENT survey suggested that some young people were requesting additional support and information on health-related matters such as drug and alcohol issues and sexually transmitted diseases.

Halton Drug Action Team (DAT) joined forces with young people's support group Young Addaction and the YMCA to address those concerns. With support from Campaigns R Us, the partners have launched a campaign to provide people with the right advice and support.

Jenny Owen, young people's substance misuse co-ordinator for DAT, said: 'Young people told us they wanted more information on drugs, alcohol, sexual awareness and staying safe while in nightclubs or bars.

John Mackie, executive director of Halton YMCA, said: 'Having a well-known soap actress stay in our accommodation will help dispel some of the myths people have, surrounding those living in hostel accommodation.

'The YMCA has a broad mix of residents, from teenagers to more mature people.

'Many find themselves homeless because their relationships have broken down and there isn't anywhere else they can go to when they are most in need.

'Our role is to assess a resident's needs and provide them with the necessary life skills and to get their lives back on track, to enable them to move on to independent living.

'Often it's a vicious circle, if you are homeless you can't get a job, and without work you can't get a home.

'Our aim is to break that cycle. Residents have an agreement with us - in return for the safe accommodation they receive, they are also encouraged to develop the necessary skills provided by our training department to find work or go back into further education.'