A CENTRE to support vulnerable young people across Somerset has been launched in Taunton.

Taunton Association for the Homeless opened up their new Pathway to Independence (P2i) hub, on East Reach, to offer support for homeless and vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24.

The P2i service will cover joint needs assessments, family mediation, housing advice, emergency accommodation, supported housing, floating support and signposting to other services.

Somerset county councillor Frances Nicholson, who is in charge of children and families, said: “No young person should be living on the street.

"It is our priority to support and help young people to live a safe, healthy, stable and independent life.

“This new service will reduce the number of young people who are homeless in the county and will give vulnerable young people a more positive future.”