Helpline for Carrick teens

Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group is working to create an emergency contact number.

A spokesperson explained: “In an effort to provide emergency help and assistance to young people within our community, at weekends, particularly, we have decided to create an emergency mobile number which the young people will have access to should they feel at risk or vulnerable.

“It has been brought to our attention about the number of young people on streets. They are very vulnerable. It is not about pointing the finger at them. It is about looking after them. We want to make sure they are safe.”

Recently, the Times highlighted concerns over anti-social behaviour which included under-age drinking and drug-taking among groups of young people boosted by teens travelling from outside the town.