Smart new way for young people to access advice

The young person’s app entitled ‘Y-app’, which was developed by the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships in Newtownabbey, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Lisburn in partnership with PSNI, is free to download from Google Play and the App Store.

Its overall aim is to help young people make informed decisions and includes a guide for young people on topics such as e-safety, anti-social behaviour, hate crime and suicide. It also highlights support services available to young people should they need further help or information.

Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy performed at the Old Courthouse in Antrim for those attending the launch, including Minister for Justice, South Antrim MLA David Ford and representatives from the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Department for Justice and local councils.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Jim Bingham said: “I am delighted that Newtownabbey PCSP has been able to work collaboratively with the other PCSPs in D District to produce the Y-app for young people. It is an exciting and innovative new initiative that addresses the real issues and concerns faced by young people and will help them access vital support services at the very time they need that support. By providing young people with this information in a format that fits in with their everyday lives, they can become empowered to make positive life decisions.”