MOST young teenagers from Worcester wanting to experience nightlife this summer won’t be heading for the Mediterranean hot spots of Malaga, Ibiza or Ayia Napa.

But they can get into the party spirit in the city thanks to a partnership between the city council’s community safety detached youth team and a local nightspot.

For the past three years the youth team and Tramps nightclub in Angel Place have joined forces to provide Escape nights for 13 to 17-year-olds, who enjoy music, dancing and having fun with their friends.

The aim is to provide a safe, supervised nightclub experience for the young people without alcohol or anti-social behaviour and trained staff who help make sure everyone gets home safely.

The next Escape night is a UV Rave on Tuesday August 25 from 7pm to 11pm.

Tramps assistant marketing manager Jamie Gaskins said: “These nights at Tramps are only in the holidays. We have about five a year – in the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays and two half-term weeks.

“The next Escape night is our UV Rave and it is very popular. There is a good atmosphere and we have a Globot – a man in a robot suit that flashes different colours. He just dances and it creates a really good atmosphere. It is really cool and the young people love it.”

He said the director of Tramps Dean Hill wanted to provide something for young people when other venues see putting on this sort of event as trouble.

“Dean wanted something for young people. There are a lot of young people hanging around and that is what he wanted to do.

“We do not make much money from putting them on. I think it is a great night for them. It is great to see all the interactions and that it is appealing to that age group. It is a long term plan for us to put on these nights.”

Ann Nicholls, detached team manager, said: “We do not have any problems with young people. It is ensuring they have a good night and a safe night and they get home safely as well. It is only up to 11pm.

“It is brilliant. We all want the best for young people. We want them off the streets and safe. Tramps cares about the young people. It is not just about money because they do not have to do this - the club could be shut on a Tuesday night.”

She said the alcohol in the bar areas is hidden so the young people are not tempted. “If you go into the bar area the spirits are hidden. There are different rooms the young people can use but they do not see the alcohol, so they are not tempted.

“If they have it outside Tramps we either call their parents or the police. If they are under the influence of alcohol immediately outside we call the parents. The staff are there for the good of the young people and all the bags are checked before they go into Tramps.

“The staff are all trained in safeguarding. If there was an older man hanging around a group of young girls outside they would be aware of it and monitor the situation.

“Police have a presence but not too much of a presence. They are at a distance but they are there if we need them.”

She added: “We try to make sure the young people get on the train or bus and they get home safely. We are aware if they are going to MacDonalds in a group and if the staff can cope.

“I know all the last bus times and train times. If there are a lot of young people going to the station I send youth workers to the station.”

The youth team members are both inside and outside the venue and if any young person has a problem or is concerned about anything they can talk to a member of the team.

Ann is a regular visitor to schools talking to pupils about the type of issues that affect young people such as drugs, alcohol and relationships to name but a few.

She said many young people recognise her when they turn up to their night out at Tramps and if they have anything they want to discuss about issues raised in the school visits, they can do it there in a one-to-one informal setting.

“When they are at Tramps they can talk about any issue or concerns they have about their lives such as alcohol, drugs, relationships, domestic violence, employment, not being in school or getting into trouble, problems with a friend or alcohol to a youth worker. They will talk about things in an informal setting. It is a good place.”

Another popular night is the foam party which is good harmless, if somewhat bubbly fun. “They love the foam party. They would have to go abroad for a foam party or to an over 18s venue and they would not be allowed in,” said Ann.

“They are not on the streets and getting involved in anti social behaviour. The parents are so grateful because someone is there to look after them. If anything happens the parents or guardians are called and a member of the team – either the detached youth team or nightclub staff – is there with the young person until they arrive.”

Jamie added: “The Escape nights are bringing young people to a local place that is safe.”