The Living Hope Community Church Youth Bus, which has proved to be one of the most popular places for youngsters in the south of the Island to meet on a Friday night, has been equipped with four computers, together with all-important internet access, courtesy of Manx Telecom.
And it’s become a real magnet for young teenagers.
It’s believed to be the first vehicle of its kind, not just in the Isle of Man, but across the whole of the UK, to provide such a sophisticated level of free-to-use technology.
Each Friday evening in the month, the bus parks up for two or three hours in either Castletown, Ballasalla, Port St Mary or Port Erin, regularly attracting around 30 youngsters.
Adrian Porter, Associate Pastor of the Living Hope Community Church said the Bus was there to encourage the kids to have fun and interact with their peers and adults in a safe and secure environment.
The project involves around 30 unpaid volunteers and costs around ?5000 a year to maintain and run, he said.
'I genuinely believe this is a project that has really touched the lives of these youngsters.
'The fact that the bus is so regularly attended is proof of that and we are extremely grateful to Manx Telecom for supporting us.
'It’s a great way for the kids to socialise, meet their friends and use the internet. We lay on refreshments and karaoke and there’s even a nail bar for the girls.'
But he stressed the emphasis was on encouraging sensible use of the internet.
'Whilst a lot of the kids like to use Facebook, we have all the latest protection software in place and we also take time to warn the youngsters about cyberbullying.
'Basically, to have fun but be careful at the same time'.
Manx Telecom’s spokesperson Marg McGee said the company was always pleased to back community projects: 'The bus is ideally equipped for the kids and gives them somewhere to go on a Friday night. We’re delighted to lend our support' she said.
Pictured: Youngsters enjoying the facilities provided by the Living Hope Community Church Youth Bus, known as 'YB'.
