Troubled Basildon teenagers will have a helping hand to get their lives back on track - thanks to a project which will be piloted in the town.

Youngsters who are involved in drugs, unemployed, homeless or have criminal records, or a history of abuse or violence, are to get expert guidance to help turn their lives around and plan for the future.

It was today revealed that Basildon has been chosen as the only town in Essex to pilot a £160,000 Youth at Risk project.

The 12-month programme started this week and is expected to involve 30 youngsters aged 15 to 19 from the town.

Youth at Risk is now in its sixth year and has worked with more than 500 young people in 15 projects nationwide.

The scheme brings together many different agencies that work to develop youngsters' social and workplace skills to give them a brighter future. The scheme will take three months to set up.

Teenagers can be referred by social workers, parents, friends or even put themselves forward to be included in the scheme.

They are then examined by a psychoanalyst and doctor before being interviewed about their lives and asked what they want from it.

Successful applicants are then sent on an eight-day residential course, followed by nine months of training and mentoring.

Basildon Council safety officer Ken Venables said: "There are elements of an adventure holiday camp and some challenging tasks which develop teamwork. There is also training for the workplace - it's quite extensive and intensive.

"Basildon is very fortunate to get this as a pilot for the country."

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