Youth services in Falmouth under threat because of Cornwall Council’s austerity cuts, have been saved thanks to a partnership between the Dracaena Centre and the town council which is the first of its kind in the county.

Cornwall Council’s funding of the town’s youth services ends next week, but now thanks to £20,000 from the town council, the work and commitment of the Dracaena Centre team and funding from other external agencies, a new 12 month pilot project will be rolled out from April 1.

This will include a young women’s cafe, a junior youth club and cafe, drop-in sessions for students at Falmouth School and Penryn College and for youth in general and various street-based work.

Addressing the town council, Richard May, manager of the Dracaena Centre, said of the new initiative: “Nobody else is doing this in Cornwall – no other town council has taken the view that preventative work is disappearing therefore targeted work is the only thing that’s now out there.

“It is being done at about a third of the cost it was costing Cornwall Council to put this programme on. This project will only grow, this is just the start.”

In his written report, Mr May added: “On the surface Falmouth is an idyllic seaside town of stunning natural beauty, an important Cornish port with a rich heritage and a popular tourist destination. But, with an estimated population of 23,000, a striking rich/poor divide and socio-economic issues, Falmouth is also a town facing some serious challenges.

“Roughly a fifth of Falmouth’s residents are living in areas ranked within the most deprived 20 per cent in the UK. Typically these areas experience a range of issued including health inequalities and higher crime rates. Young people in particular are facing considerable challenges and although such problems cannot be tackled overnight, great improvements can be made with the help of compassionate and multifaceted services.

“The socio-economic situation in Falmouth is difficult and while some enjoy prosperity others are restricted by limited means and a lack of opportunities.

“Our core aim is to unite the community in a safe, supportive and enriching environment. Without our strong partnerships, the provision of life-changing services and crucial facilities just wouldn’t be possible. Collectively we will be able to build on the community multi-agency hub at the Dracaena Centre with its established partnerships.”

Councillor Trish Minson said: “It is great to see all this happening. The emotional health and well being of our young people is important.”

Councillor Candy Atherton added: “I think it’s tremendous. If we don’t have some creative youth work going on then the town will suffer, there’s no two ways about it.”