A NEW website which aims to reach out to young people in Swindon has been launched this week.

Thedockswindon.co.uk has been designed with the help of young service users and contains a range of information aimed at helping young people to make better life choices.

Young people chose the style, layout and most of the new site’s content, as well as the website’s name. It will be promoted across all of Swindon’s schools and colleges, and any other groups where young people meet.

Cllr Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is an innovative and exciting development following consultation with focus groups containing young people of varying ages and backgrounds.

“The result is a fantastic new website which young people will find interesting and informative, including several short films, articles, and quotes on subjects of most interest to youngsters in Swindon.”

Maria Young, Swindon Borough Council’s head of children, families and community health, added: “Thedockswindon contains lots of information about physical and emotional health, education, employment and training links.

“There is even a section on sports, recreation, how to stay safe, apprenticeships, volunteering, and securing a placement from school or college.

“I am also particularly pleased that any young person who visits the site can contact specialists in our children’s services team, so they can find out more about any issues that concern them.”

The design and production of the new website has been undertaken in close consultation with CREATE studios, who have experience of working with the council on a range of media associated with young people in Swindon.