A SALISBURY youth centre is celebrating its fifth birthday this year.

The Unit in Endless Street, which was set up in an empty shop in 2010, provides workshops in a variety of subjects for young people as well as opportunities for employment, training and a place to meet friends.

To mark its anniversary, young people at The Unit are planning to showcase their talents to the community by holding a performance-based networking event at River Bourne Community Farm.

Tim Scrace, chairman of Salisbury Youth Venture (SYV), a charity which together with other local stakeholders, helps support the youth centre, said: “The Unit is a fundamental part of Salisbury life and offers young people the chance to take control and feel wanted.

“The Unit looks to use creative approaches to empower young people.

“Responding to their own ideas and interests, the team help youngsters set up various workshops and events.

“Alongside an active and engaged online community, the centre sees an average weekly drop-in of around 60 to 80 young people per week.

“We are hoping the upcoming event will also raise the profile of SYV.

“It would be great if other members of the community took the opportunity to make a regular contribution to secure a more sustainable future for our young folk and this fantastic project.”

Last year, apprentices from QinetiQ refurbished the youth centre as part of the 2014 Brathay Challenge.

The apprentices, with support from Wickes Salisbury, laid a new floor, donated new furniture and repainted the venue.

The upcoming event at River Bourne Community Farm is being sponsored by environmental consultants Enims.

Pete Satchell, managing director of Enims, said: “We’re very happy to be supporting the community through Salisbury Youth Venture. The Unit is such an enterprising project and we really appreciate how the project listens to young people and helps realise the potential of young entrepreneurs.”

For more visit, unitspace.org.

uk, call Flo on 01722 238174 or email unitspace@gmail.com.

Alternatively drop in at The Unit or into the Plainarts tent at Salisbury’s Contemporary Craft & Heritage Festival on September 5 and 6