The St Helena Government has given its support to the New Horizons Youth Project and is of the opinion that it will improve the social life of the Island’s young people. In July of this year, Executive Council agreed that the project should be endorsed and submitted to the Department for International Development for their approval. It was felt that the project would promote the health and well being of the Island’s youth.

It was also agreed that the project should be monitored very carefully.

Dougie Paterson, Social Work Manager, is employed by the Public Health and Social Services Department to manage the Departments Social Services unit. He has been involved in the youth project for some time and meets on a regular basis with the Project Planning Group which is working towards the New Horizons Youth Project.

Dougie explained that: "It is crucial that any initiative for young people is carefully researched, planned and takes account of public concerns. The New Horizons project is based upon sound practices in youth work to create a safe and supervised environment designed to promote the needs of young people. It will operate under strict guidelines and mechanisms will be in place to ensure that all activities will be strictly monitored."

He added: "The Social Services Division will continue to play an active role in the development of the project. We will assist in developing good practice guidelines and ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place. From our initial research, young people themselves are determined to make this a successful venture by having clear rules about conduct and behaviour. It is most encouraging that potential users of the service take this issue so seriously."

Speaking on the possibility of underage drinking and smoking, Derek Thomas, Chief of Police said: "I would not expect this type of activity to happen in a controlled youth centre." He does not see that gambling and drug abuse will be a problem and said that even now: "I am not aware of gambling being a problem and we do not have any known cases of young people abusing drugs." The St Helena Government aims to keep the situation this way and to even improve on it. Derek said "I support this project, it is useful for youth development and I believe it is the way forward." He is confident that the youth project will be successful as long as agencies work together. Whilst plans for the project have not been finalised, Dougie Paterson said that the relevant agencies will work together to make the project work.