A free support service for young people, offering free counselling and advice, is increasing its availability in the town centre after receiving extra funding.

Croydon Drop In's Talkbus will now be parked in fron of McDonalds, North End, on Friday's as well as Thursday's, offering young people free, confidential support and advice on a range of issues.

The service operates on a 'you talk, we listen' basis, advising on family support, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “CDI’s Talkbus service goes right to the heart of Croydon’s Choose Your Future campaign and our preventative approach to youth crime.

“If we want to help young people to make positive choices, and to stay safe and healthy, mentally and emotionally, we need to be there for them when and where they need us, offering easy-to-access support in their own neighbourhoods, when they are hanging out with friends.

“We know how much our young people value Croydon’s Talkbus, and we hope by investing in these extra sessions more can benefit.”

Croydon Drop In also offers free counselling for 10-25s, a parent group and signposting to relevant support services, along with information on local and national youth projects.

The team works closely with the council’s youth engagement officers, the police, Croydon BID, local schools, the schools pastors, and other community sector youth providers.