Teenagers were given the chance to learn more about opportunities to get into training or work today.

Harrow Youth Stop, in College Road, held the first Love Your Life event for people from the age of 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The centre offers teenagers free access to careers information, health advice and general support.

Organiser Appia Douglas said: “The main aim of the event is to make contact and engage with young people who may need support or want support.

“We just want them to know we are here and they can drop in when they want to get advice and support in finding a job.”

More than 20 teenagers attended the event, which included motivational talks and workshops in creative media and nail work.

Fellow organiser Rachel Danso said: “Compared to other boroughs Harrow has a smaller NEET group of young people but we still need to work with them.

“Because they are not in education or training they are sometimes under the radar and can be difficult to make contact with.

“We are here to help them move forward and find the next step. It may be giving people confidence for an interview or helping tweak their CV so they can get that interview in the first place.”

The Harrow Youth Stop is run by the CfBT Education Trust and funded by Harrow Borough Council to run the career advice service for teenagers.

Centre manager Aarti Jaswal said: “There is a problem with youth unemployment across the country.

“The fact is there are jobs out there but there are so many people fighting for the same position.

“People may be able to find a job but sometimes its matter of getting it and securing employment.”

The youth stop is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week from 1.30pm to 5.30pm and is free for people from the age of 16 to 19, or for those up to 25 with learning difficulties.