Young teach the old – behind black iron bars

But open the door and the Drop Inn Centre is a buzz of activity, with teenagers playing pool, watching television, making mugs of hot chocolate – and even teaching pensioners to use modern technology.

The Drop Inn, run by Goole Community Group, is a safe environment for 10 to 19-year-olds to meet and helps them train in subjects such as first aid and health and safety.

It is just one of the many projects supported by Yorkshire Community Foundations which has teamed up with the Yorkshire Post for our Communities in Need appeal this Christmas.

The centre also provides other activities and lessons such as craft, cooking and sexual health advice and teenagers can even volunteer to teach elderly people how to use technology such as mobile phones, computers and digital cameras.

Dylan Elrick, 15, who has been attending the centre since 2008, taught one elderly lady how to text her son abroad – and she was delighted to receive a text back.

He said: "Now she knows how to use her mobile phone, so it really put a smile on my face that day to see how happy she was. Before coming here, I was out every night causing trouble, but I got involved in volunteer work and it's kept me occupied. It gives me a sense of achievement. Because I've done it, other people who were in my position a few years back can do it too."

The young people have volunteered in activities, such as clearing rubbish, planting and clearing flower beds, litter picking and decorating.

One of those to benefit from the centre is 16-year-old Tom Smith. He first attended in 2007 and has since become chair of Goole Youth Council – which meets there.

He said: "It's boosted my confidence in speaking to the young and old generations, and I've got to know lots of people. It's kept me off the street and stopped me getting in trouble with the police."