SUPPORT has been maintained for young people in South Craven and across North Yorkshire during lockdown.

Children and families support workers with the county council have devised innovative ways of keeping in contact with the youngsters they help.

Some of their work would normally take place in youth clubs, where practical and emotional backing is given to children experiencing challenges and issues in their lives.

But when lockdown began, staff had to find ways of continuing their work, despite restrictions such as social distancing and the closure of venues.

One initiative is a ‘youth club in a boot’ scheme, which has been delivering activity and resource packs to youngsters.

The packs have contained different items each week and delivering them has enabled the support workers to have doorstep conversations with the young people.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children’s services, said: “Our children and families support workers throughout the county have applied a great deal of creativity and innovation to ensure young people have stayed safe and well throughout lockdown.

“The initiative has enabled them to maintain important contact with our young people and ensure those receiving our support know they have not been forgotten.”