Submitted by Mike Grenville on Wed, 14 Dec 2005 09:38

A London Borough has launched a free SMS information service for young people on local events, courses and advice services in the area.

The `Text yKC' messaging service represents the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council's first foray into the world of text communication with residents. If successful, the 12-month pilot project could be rolled out across other Council departments.

The scheme seeks to capitalise on the popularity of the Council's website for young people `KCcentral' which gets up to 31,000 visits a month. Young people are encouraged to register via KCcentral to subscribe to Text yKC and it is hoped this will enhance their access to the huge range of local services and events set up especially for them, including weekly drop-ins, the youth arts showcase, dance classes, sports activities, careers fairs and support and advice provide by the local Connexions Centre.

A management board of young people has been set up to monitor the use of the service and the site is being promoted all round the Royal Borough. Tappa-Taie Caldwell, a member of the board said: "Text yKC will offer all the services in the borough an extra and effective tool for contacting young people directly."

Cllr Shireen Ritchie, Cabinet Member for Family and Children's Services, said: "Young people have told us they'd love to hear more about what services are available to them, what events are coming up and how they can have a say on local issues. According to them, their mobile phones are the best way to receive this information. We've listened and Text yKC is our response."

The new service is being launched at a special Youth Fair and Youth Arts Showcase open to all young people aged 11 to 19-years-old on 19 December. To join the service text yKC to 07736 10 10 10 or by using the from on the website.