A MEDIATION service which helps young people at risk of becoming homeless is celebrating its first birthday.

Re-Connect, a council-run service, assists youngsters in danger of becoming homeless as well as those in temporary accommodation hoping to be reconciled with their families.

A review of Re-Connect will take place next Tuesday at noon in the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

Deputy Mayor Peter Stoddart will welcome invitees and presentations will then be made by representatives from Family Mediation, the Teenage Parents Partnership Board and Swindon Council's housing department.

Last year 400 people were recognised as being homeless, and about half of them were homeless because family or friends were unable to accommodate them.

Referrals are made to Re-Connect from the homeless team at Swindon Council, other statutory and voluntary agencies and also on a self-referral basis.

Re-Connect aims to prevent or delay homelessness and improve the relationship between young people and their families. It is open to people aged between 13 and 25 in the Swindon area, is free, and is confidential and voluntary.