Services A-Z
Discover links to local organisations who may be able to offer advice and support.
Introduction
TACTIC (Teenage Advice Centre-Teenage Information Centre) is a specialist young people’s service for 12 to 19 year-olds in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and surrounding villages.
Young People can gain free advice and Information on a variety of topics, meet new people, receive 1:1 support, volunteer in their community and take part in fun holiday activities.
The Teenage Advice and Information Centre is ideally placed for you to access us in the centre of town, just off the main high street at 17 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1EZ.
The TACTIC centre is open for drop-in sessions, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays’ 15:30 – 18:00. Youth workers continue to work within schools supporting students and also delivering face to face mentoring by appointment.. The TANG (Tactic Additional Needs Group) continues to run on Monday evenings 5:30 – 7:15pm.
The TACTIC centre will be closed on Friday 7th April, Monday 10th April and Monday 1st, 8th and 29th May.
About Us
Find out more about us via our Facebook page (click icon to your left).
Feel free to drop in Tuesday- Thursday between 03:30 – 06:00pm use our Wifi and computers, have a free cup of tea, coffee or juice or play a board game with some friendly faces just – Drop In.
You can also meet your mates, meet new friends or just chill out and listen to some music, everyone is welcome, we offer a young people’s safe social space.
You can drop in to speak with one of our Youth Workers or specialist agencies or use our online contact us form at the bottom of this page to get in to touch to discuss if and when you need help, advice or support with issues you may have.
We deal with your queries or concerns in a friendly, caring and confidential manner and we will always be open and honest with you.
- Anxiety and emotional wellbeing
- School and College
- Friendship and relationships
- Jobs and employment
- Problems relating to drug use
- Risky Behaviour
- Sexual health matters
- Managing Anger
- Bullying
- Family relationships/changes
- Sexual orientation (LGBTQ)
The TACTIC Centre is now also available to hire.. interested?
What's coming up at TACTIC?
This Easter TACTIC have some great activities for 12-19 year olds. All sessions are FREE and will be run at the TACTIC centre unless otherwise stated. You can book a place by calling 01525 373838 or turn up on the day!
| Tuesday 4 April | 8am – 3pm Environmental Project & WAY Market Stall at LB Market 2pm – 5pm Bracelet & Keyring Making / Gaming Competition / Drop In |
| Wednesday 5 April | 2pm – 5pm Easter Cake Baking / Drop In |
| Thursday 6 April | 3:30pm – 5:30pm Egg Decorating / Rolling Competition / Drop In |
| Tuesday 11 April | 11am – 3pm Children’s Trail & Pizza Making Closed Session for TANG group 3pm – 5pm Drop In |
| Wednesday 12 April | 2pm – 5pm Just Dance Session / Gaming Competition / Drop In |
| Thursday 13 April | 3:30pm – 5:30pm Smoothie Making / Drop In |
The TACTIC centre will be closed on Friday 7th April, Monday 10th April and Monday 1st, 8th and 29th May.
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The Chatty Cafe
TACTIC is working in partnership with Bassett Road Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG) to bring you the Chatty Café.
The Chatty Café is a national scheme which aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness by encouraging people of all ages to interact through conversation and a free cup of tea and cake.
We are now holding weekly Chatty Café sessions at the TACTIC Centre – 17 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EZ on Tuesdays from 10am-1pm.
Digital Drop-in sessions are also available weekly at the Chatty Café, offering free support with phones, tablets and laptops. The lovely Digital Champions help learners of all levels, so if you’re completely new to technology or you need help with something specific, come on down!
We hope you can join us for a cuppa and cake soon!
Projects, Activities and Events
There is always something going on at TACTIC! We run regular clubs, groups and initiatives as well as events and trips away during the holidays.
C Card Scheme
It’s important that you stay safe and act sensibly at all times. We like you to have good health and be making good decisions. So if you do find yourself needing help and advice on Sexual Health or need condoms through the C-Card scheme, visit the Young And Free website: https://youngandfree.org.uk/
A postal service is being operated for free condoms yet whilst you are on the website, explore it and see what they say on many sex related issues. The Relationships section is good. We care about you and would like you to care about yourself too.
Youth volunteering
Among the exciting projects we currently have running you can also get involved in our we are Youth group or do some youth volunteering in the local community. Speak to a Youth Worker to explore your interests and see what local opportunities are in your communities to gain new experiences.
Sexual Health Services
At the Centre we offer free pregnancy testing, free chlamydia screening and a condom card scheme. Feel free to contact us to discuss any issues you might have or drop in to speak to a member of the team.
Work/Training
Left school/college and not sure of your next step? Aged 16-19yrs?
We can provide work or training support and we have a specialist youth adviser from Central Bedfordshire Council who can help you if you are not in education, employment or training or you need support looking for the latest available apprenticeships. We can help you start your CV and motivate you to achieve your next step.
TANG: TACTIC Additional Needs Group
Regular weekly activities for young people with a disability or additional needs. Every Monday evening at Mentmore Road Pavilion (Mentmore Road, LU7 2NZ) 5.30 – 7.15pm.
1:1 MENTORING
TACTIC Youth Workers are available to offer confidential 1:1 support to young people and become their mentor so as they have a trusted adult they can talk to. Mentoring involves discussing achievable goals for young people to reach and increase their self-confidence. 1:1 appointments are offered initially for a six weekly period at TACTIC.
You are eligible if you are a Leighton/Linslade resident and aged 12-19yrs, contact us to find out more and enquire about availability.
We Are Youth (WAY)
TACTIC are currently looking for young people aged 12-19 who are interested in getting involved in projects to raise awareness about issues affecting young people. Join us and tell us your views and ideas, and develop confidence, skills & experience while making new friends, following interests you enjoy.
There will be a range of opportunities, training with certificates with learning that is varied and fun.
To find out more please contact Jane: jane.regan@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk, call 07958 624548 or drop in to the TACTIC Centre, any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
Event!! The WAY group are meeting Thursdays each week at the TACTIC Centre starting Thursday 19th January, why not come along and see what its about and what ideas we have so far?
Why not be part of a campaign for your community as part of your community placement for the Duke of Edinburgh
SCHOOLS OFFER
TACTIC Youth Workers are available to offer workshops and assemblies to middle and upper schools for students aged 11-19yrs. Find out more.
TACTIC contact us form
Please use the online enquiry form to your right to submit an enquiry, a member of the team will be in touch shortly.
The TACTIC Centre
Hockliffe Street
Leighton Buzzard
LU7 1EZ