Youth worker steps down after 25 years of service (From Bucks Free Press)

Youth worker steps down after 25 years of service

9:30am Thursday 4th October 2007 in Search By Lara King

A YOUTH worker has retired after helping get more than 1,000 homeless people off the streets of High Wycombe.

Martin Skinner stepped down as co-ordinator of the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) last Friday, after 25 years fighting for the rights of young people in the area.

Martin was a founding member of YES, which now has around 50 volunteers working from its Frogmoor premises.

The service offers a drop-in centre and telephone service six days a week, providing 13 to 25-year-olds with free and confidential counselling and advice on issues including accommodation, sexual health, finance and relationships.

"These 25 years have been the best time of my life. I have seen so many young people grow and develop, whether it's volunteers who have gone into professional social work, or young people who have taken their lives in exciting new directions," said Martin.

"It's particularly good to see how much services for young people in High Wycombe have improved in this time, especially in accommodation, either because of or in spite of my efforts! I hope things continue to improve and that young people can continue to rely on the Youth Enquiry Service for help," he added.

Martin's successes include launching the service's supported lodgings scheme, which provides housing and emotional support for 16 and 17-year-olds, and setting up a rent guarantee deposit scheme, which helps homeless people over 18 gain access to privately rented accommodation.

Sue Davies, business support officer at YES, said: "Many people, young and old, have known Martin as the friendly face of the organisation.

"He worked very hard for the young people of High Wycombe, and fought for the service to survive through all the highs and lows that 25 years have brought."

Around 80 well wishers attended his farewell party at the Hazlemere Community Association in Rose Avenue on Friday. The celebration was preceded by the Youth Enquiry Service's AGM.

"The service is his legacy," said Sue. "Martin will be sorely missed, but we will continue to help young people in the area and to build on the foundations he has laid."

The organisation has just been awarded a grant of nearly £7,000 from the Government's Youth Corporate Fund, and intends to use the money to refurbish and update its premises.

l For more information on YES, visit www.yeswycombe.org.uk or call 01494 437373.