Two YRC staff, Jay Maxwell and Brooke Hunter, are based at the centre, which is open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays during school terms.

Frankston Council's family and youth manager Mandy Gatliff said: "There is great demand for the youth services, whether that be referrals, counselling, fun activities or simply a safe place to hang out. Carrum Downs is one of the youngest areas in our municipality, so to now have a base there two days a week is a big step forward."

As well as running a range of after-school activities, the youth workers will conduct 'in-school' and lunchtime sessions, as well as continuing their 'cooking up some fun' program at the Lyrebird Community Centre in Carrum Downs.

The outreach service is expected to offer activities during the upcoming school holidays.

The YRC offers a wide range of services, such as confidential consultations with health professionals including a psychologist and maternal child health nurse. Parenting and family support services are also available, along with access to computers, fax machines, photocopiers and the internet.

■For more information, call 97681366 or visit www.youth

.frankston.vic.gov.au