A GROUP is coming up from the streets as a new chapter is opened in the story of help for Weymouth's young people.

Youth workers who have been working with youngsters in the borough, helping them find a flat and handing out free condoms, are preparing to move into new premises and expand the services they offer.

The team of six, led by Onome Stenlake, used to be based at Waves in St Mary Street, a building Dorset Youth and Community Service shared with the Children's Society.

They are now working outside until they move into their new home, the Connexions shop in St Thomas Street, at the end of the year - and are now seeking a new name.

Connexions is a Government scheme which offers help and guidance to young people aged 13-19.

Onome said: "Although Waves is run by the Children's Society it was a multi-agency approach and the youth service was involved up until June when the agreement ended.

"As well as running a successful coffee shop at Waves we gave advice and information and organised projects for the young people.

"We are now working with young people directly on the streets and have the use of Rossi's ice cream parlour for a couple of days a week which we use as our base.

"We are dealing with all sorts of issues from homelessness to drug addiction, employment and housing problems."

She added: "Some of the Connexions staff are moving and space will become available so we can run our service from there.

"It will basically be like the service we were offering at Waves but it will be in a much bigger space with new facilities.

"It's a very exciting time and we look forward to the opportunity of helping more young people in the Weymouth area."

Onome said the team will be running a new advice and information centre from the Connexions shop which will be equipped with an IT suite, interview rooms and a coffee bar.

As Onome and her fellow youth workers are known as "the former Waves team" they are hoping young people can come up with a new name for them.

Anyone who has any ideas, and there is a prize for the best suggestion, should pop into Rossi's on Tuesday or Wednesday between noon and 1.30pm or leave a message for the team on 01305 771861.