A new centre for Honiton's youth is being launched which will give children a safe place to go after school.

Three Honiton Town Councillors - Serena Sexton, Lauren Passmore-Smart and Lucy Wakefield - are behind the new initiative. 

'The Den Honiton' will be open to any child of secondary school age. It will be used for playing games, chatting and relaxing, meeting friends or doing homework. 

A Community Interest Company (CIC) has been established to open the new facility which will be run by the young people themselves. 

The organisers are currently fundraising and trying to secure a premises for The Den. Volunteers are needed to help launch the facility and then help with sessions. 

As well as providing a recreational space, it is hoped that The Den could improve employability and build confidence. 

Cllr Passmore Smart said: "It will be run by the young people themselves with supervision from an adult volunteer.

"This is to give them ownership so that they want to look after the place. Plus, it can go towards their Duke of Edinburgh's award, and we can give references when they go for jobs.

"We will have games consoles, a chill out area and laptops they can do homework on. We will advertise all the local clubs and groups available to them so know what choices they have.

"The Den will be structured around what its members want from it, they will carry much of the responsibility of the day-to-day running, the volunteers will just provide guidance and support.

"We're currently on the hunt for our ideal space and look forward to officially opening our doors hopefully quite soon."

Fundraising is already underway to raise the funds to open and the first event will be a cake sale at Honiton Market on Saturday 19 August. 

If you are interested in volunteering or supporting the initiative, please contact [email protected]

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