A new vision for the young people of Great Yarmouth has been celebrated thanks to a £700,000 grant to the charity MAP.

A launch event was held at St George's Theatre inspired by MAP's new Youth Investment Fund project to coincide with National Youth Work Week.

The Youth Investment Fund windfall of almost £700,000 over three years is enabling MAP to provide new opportunities for young people to get involved in their communities, support their personal development and get the skills and confidence they need to enter the workplace.

Outreach work is a key part of the programme of activities and MAP's youth workers have already set up five separate weekly drop-in sessions in key locations across Great Yarmouth which offer professional support in a welcoming environment.

MAP says young people have told it at the sessions they have nowhere to go and nothing to do.

The celebration showcased a range of locally based services for young people including youth work, advice and counselling from MAP.

MAP senior youth worker Karla George was among the guest speakers and challenged those who work with young people to think differently about their approach and putting young people at the heart of their plans.

She said: 'We are thrilled to be providing opportunities for young people in Great Yarmouth with this huge investment in youth work.

'There has long been a need for this type of open access provision locally.'

Invited guests were also treated to a performance of a poem written by a young person who has been supported by MAP's practitioners and a film to promote MAP's new services in Great Yarmouth, which have been made possible by the Youth Investment Fund.

Holly Notcutt, Great Yarmouth Borofugh Council's community development manager, said: 'MAP's new project has been able to start engaging with young people and the wider community straight away using the Neighbourhoods That Work networks. 'In the longer term, communities will be more resilient as they will have provision for young people that takes place on their doorstep.'

For information on MAP and its various services visit its website at www.map.uk.net