THE mother of a teenager with learning difficulties has made a passionate plea for the Bridging Project to be saved as discussions about changes to youth services in Wiltshire continue.

The Bridging Project is run from a community centre in Wilton Road and at youth centres across south Wiltshire.

It brings together young people who have learning disabilities and those who don’t.

They socialise, play games, make new friends and go on trips while breaking down barriers between able-bodied and disabled teenagers and giving young people greater independence.

Helen Taylor’s 15-year-old daughter Maja Reeve has the rare genetic condition Kleefstra Syndrome, which affects her speech, balance and movement.

The syndrome causes developmental delay and Maja, who attends Exeter House School, gets tired very quickly.

She started going to the Bridging Project in January 2012 and has made new friends and had lots of opportunities.

But Bridging Project staff are fearful for the future after being told their jobs are under threat amid council plans to shake up youth services and save £190,000 in the coming year.

“We don’t want it to close, we don’t want it to move and there is no need to change it in any way,” said Ms Taylor.

“This is a fantastic project, which is open throughout the year when many other things stop in the school holidays.

“Lots of disabled children don’t get many social opportunities out of school. Play dates and parties are hard to arrange.

“But once a week they can go to the Bridging Project, the parents get a much-needed break and their children get to do all sorts of exciting new things.

“Life is hard enough for these vulnerable people and why are they even considering changing something that brings so many benefits?”

Salisbury councillors Tom and Caroline Corbin have visited the Bridging Project to see its work and parents with children who go there are urging decision- makers from Wiltshire Council to visit before considering any changes or cuts.

Although a consultation is ongoing, Ms Taylor says the questions and format of the online form would be too difficult for her daughter and she fears that some community consultation events have been poorly attended.

“I really want the council to realise how valued and valuable the Bridging Project is,” she said. “I don’t know what we would do without it.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said the consultation was ongoing and no decisions had been taken about which youth services will be affected and how, although the council is committed to maintaining services for the most vulnerable people.