A LOCAL youth worker has launched a new creative platform for youngsters to show off their talents.

Ewa Jakubowski, who runs social enterprise 6 Foot Lab with husband Pawel, has started 'Design Necessities', a charity aimed at giving people aged 16-25 a space to express themselves.

The new scheme is being run out of 6 Foot Lab's recently acquired premises on West Blackhall Street, and Ewa hopes that it will provide isolated members of the local community somewhere to spend time and develop their skills.

Ewa says the idea had been in the planning for more than a year and once 6 Foot Lab acquired their new home she was able to get it off the ground.

Ewa said: "Design Necessities will provide art sessions but there's a strong focus on mental health too.

"We will use art as a backdrop for the mental health work.

"This will give the young people something to do, and somewhere to go after school.

"It is similar to the projects we've run before, but with the space we have in here now there are a lot more things we can do.

"A lot of young people don't have much in the way of opportunities or things to do, especially when it's a rainy day."

Ewa says there will be a social aspect to the club too.

She told the Tele: "It's not just an art project, we have kitchen space, a pool table and lots of other facilities here.

"Our space is also great for musicians to rehearse in and I think there could be room to do some photography work further down the line.

"There are a lot of people who are socially and financially isolated around here and we want to help them find a space where they feel comfortable."

The group are currently opening their doors to local young people once a week but Ewa plans to step this up.

She said: "Right now we're running on Wednesdays from 5pm, but we want to be on demand.

"If anyone wants to come along and use the space they just need to get in touch."

Anyone who is interested in joining Design Necessities can get in touch by emailing Ewa at ewa_jakibowski@hotmail.com