The Y Sort-it Mobile Information Cyber Station (MICS) is back on the roads again with a brand new look, following a £25,000 makeover.
The refurbishment was funded mainly by the West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership (£17,500), with additional funding from Cashback for Communities and donations.
The mobile facility, run by West Dunbartonshire youth organisation Y Sort-It, is out and about four evenings a week at different locations throughout West Dunbartonshire. It provides local young people with a safe place to meet and take part in fun activities as well as learning workshops on health and wellbeing, employment and training, and family or personal issues. There is even a “Chill Out” room where young people can have a confidential chat with a Y sort it Youth worker about problems that are worrying them.
May Craig, Y Sort-it Project Co-ordinator, said: “The MICS is a very valuable resource for local young people. It helps Y Sort-it to carry out good quality youth work at times and places that young people can easily access. Before the refurbishment, we consulted with local young people about the external design, space, layout and facilities the mobile station would offer. Thanks to the additional funding from the CPP and input from the young people, the MICS now has a whole new urban street style look, a total internal restructure and updated technical equipment.”
John Keaney, Senior Youth Information Support Worker with Y Sort-it, added: “With facilities such as free internet access via five laptops, three plasma TVs, gaming equipment and plenty of seating and storage for sports and arts equipment, the MICS provides something for every young person. We even have gaming on the outside of the MICS with a TV screen and Xbox Kinect available for young people to come and try and take part in competitions.”
Peter Barry, Community Planning Partnership Manager at West Dunbartonshire Council said: “The MICS is a fantastic facility which allows the excellent work done by Y Sort-it to be accessed by young people throughout the area. It gives young people somewhere to go rather than hanging around the streets, but also provides them with information and support to get involved in positive activities. At present it is visiting every local high school for pupils to come on board and have look at what’s on offer. The MICS is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnership working.”
For more information about Y Sort-it, visit www.ysortit.com or contact Y sort it on 0141 941 3308
