A NEW youth and family project set to start up in Fordingbridge is aiming to make a difference to the lives of the local community.

The Salvation Army project is being spearheaded by youth worker Michael French, who will be managing and running activities at the organisation’s Roundhill Hall.

It is hoped the project will be up and running in the New Year.

Mr French said: “We are really excited to see what we can do and get the centre up and running, and seeing what happens, and what difference we can make to the lives of young people in this area.”

These activities are still in the planning stages and as part of this process Mr French has been talking with the local community, groups and other agencies about what activities and projects they would like to see brought forward.

Opportunities for faith-based work, youth mentoring and support in schools have been explored as well as providing volunteering opportunities, learning skills, and qualifications.

Mr French also hopes to do project work looking at drug issues, self harm, and bullying, and open the centre during the day for fam-ilies and children with evening sessions for young people.

These activities are still being planned with the help of the local community.

The centre is currently open 4pm to 6pm – providing a space for young people to come in and relax. Volunteers are being sought to lend a hand and help the project get off the ground.

“The idea is to have it open as much as we can and run as many things as we can,” said Mr French.

“I am really looking forward to getting the doors open and doing something.”

The project has been welcomed by Mayor Malcolm Connolly, who said: “It is nice to see the Salvation Army hall being used again for community events and I am very excited by the services that the Salvation Army is going to offer to young people.”

Anyone interested in volunteer or has any ideas they would like to share is urged to call Michael on 01425 650001 or email michael.french@salvationarmy.org.uk.