A BRIDPORT charity is looking at ways to support youngsters with mental health problems in the town.

At a recent meeting of the BYPAT, Bridport Young Persons Action Trust Charity, guest Debbie Humberstone spoke about the work of “The Project” in Axminster, of which she was the co-ordinator and founder.

The Project engages with young people facing mental health issues, and often with their parents, it provides support not otherwise available, she said.

Debbie had been invited by Bridport Town Councillor Phil Lathey and his son Matthew, whose friend had had mental health problems and who, receiving little or no support from the health authorities, had committed suicide at the age of 22.

Matthew had recently cycled to Paris and had raised £3,000 in sponsorship, the majority being donated to The Project to help keep its work going.

Chairman Arthur Woodgate said: “BYPAT members agreed there was an urgent local need for support for young people with mental health issues, and we want to consider ways in which we could work in partnership with The Project to provide such support in Bridport.”

The future of Dorset Youth Service, facing a 45 per cent cut in budget, was also discussed.

It was thought unlikely that the youth centre would close, given the broad use of the building by both young people and the wider community.

However, certain aspects of youth work were considered to be under threat and, with jobs very clearly at risk, there was a question mark against the quality of any potential work with young people.

Mr Woodgate added: “Concern was expressed for the long-established and very effective programme of outreach (street) work, which had saved lives and had a proven record in reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“Similarly, the nationally-recognised SUMMENTOR, summer mentoring programme, and the highly professional sound studio – named “The Humph” after the late Councillor Humphrey Dibden – were considered to be at risk, as was the apparently undervalued evening youth clubs, through which many positive projects had been generated over a number of years.”

It was agreed Mr Woodgate would complete DCC’s consultation document on behalf of BYPAT, emphasising the charity’s potential role as a partner with the experience and expertise to help ensure that any provision retained quality and remained pertinent to the needs of young people.