“WOW, that looks sick, Miss.” That’s how some Ferndown teenagers feel about the colourful new Youth Advice and Support Centre, where they will be able to get counselling, contraception, free pregnancy tests and talk about issues in confidence.

But don’t worry, they do like it – because ‘sick’ now means ‘cool’. When it launches on Friday, January 21, for the first time teens will be able to get help with their problems under one roof at RIFFS, the existing Youth and Community Centre in Church Road, rather than trying to get further afield.

Ferndown Core Co-ordinator Penny Guy said: “They can pop in for a chat and some support over anything - self esteem or anger issues, bullying to self harm or eating disorders.

“Previously some teenagers have had to go all the way to Bournemouth to talk about these things and it’s not the kind of thing you can always ask your parents for a lift to, or may not be able to afford the money for the bus.

“If we can offer crisis management like STI tests that’s great, but it can also become preventative as well.”

Mental health workers will be in house once a week, and there will be special support groups for sexuality, plus a youth inclusion support panel and a Positive Parenting Programme.

The centre will be open daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm to start with.

Penny added: “It will be fluid and we can respond to the need. It’s exciting to get a brand new place like this up and running.”

Ferndown Upper School will refer some pupils. Alternatively, teenagers can text 07770 733164 themselves.

The support centre’s open day on January 21 will run from 2pm.