A ONE-STOP shop offering advice and guidance to teenagers on a range of issues has opened in a town centre.

The Connexions @ YMCA centre is open two days a week to young people aged 13 to 19 who want information and support with education, careers, housing, money, health and relationships.

A team of personal advisors is on hand at the drop-in centre, in the YMCA building, in Richmond Market Place, together with representatives of other agencies, including Sure Start, the youth offending team and drug abuse workers.

The service operates across Richmondshire district and is the information point for Richmond Children's Centre.

Mike Dobson, chairman of the Connexions York and North Yorkshire partnership board, opened the centre yesterday.

The Connexions base within the YMCA, which is a Christian charity, has already helped almost 1,000 young people from Richmondshire to find training and jobs, tackle problems at school, solve family and relationship issues, obtain guidance on sexual health and get advice on homelessness.

Ken Allinson, the chief executive of Richmond YMCA, said: "The YMCA is very grateful to all at Connexions York and North Yorkshire for their help and support in establishing Connexions @ YMCA, a facility of which we are all very proud.

"We look forward to continuing working in partnership for the benefit of Richmondshire young people, as Connexions forms part of the new North Yorkshire County Council integrated youth support strategy from April 1."

Georgie Grant, the lead personal advisor at Connexions @ YMCA said: "The centre provides a safe and comfortable place for young people to drop in to access support, advice and information from our friendly staff.

"Young people helped design the centre and are continually asked for their suggestions regarding ongoing developments.

"Our youth worker also offers young people the opportunity to become involved in activities and project based work."

Connexions @ YMCA is open every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9.30am to 6.30pm, for young people to drop in, and staff are available at other times by appointment.

The Richmond scheme is one of 47 Connexions partnerships across the country.