A YOUTH and community centre which helps isolated people in Bridport is facing closure.
Bridport Youth and Community Centre on Gundry Lane could be forced to close its doors by the end of the year due to spiralling costs and a lack of funding.
It needs £20,000 to survive and its supporters have launched an online crowdfunder to raise the money.
People in the town are now being asked to dig deep and help save the centre.
A spokesperson for the Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust, which oversees the centre, said: "At the current level of funding the centre will close by the centre of the year.
"Costs have risen steadily and despite strenuous efforts to reduce costs and attract donations and host many fundraising events there is a significant shortfall in the income."
Some £1,131 has so far been raised, with a number of local businesses stepping in to provide assistance, adding rewards for donors, depending on how much they contribute.
Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust took over the youth centre from Dorset County Council in 2016.
The centre, which offers activities to promote inclusion and reduce social isolation for those aged under 21 and over 55, has survived off grants from official bodies and other funders.
The grants have either remained the same or been cut forcing the centre to now have to fight for its survival.
If the centre does close, a number of groups and activities will need to find a home or cease to exist.
These include both junior and senior youth clubs which guarantee a hot meal for those attending, a boxing club, Bridport Bandits - a youth motorsport group, Dorset Red Choir, the Space Youth Project supporting LGBT+ persons up to the age of 25, ASCape club for autistic youth and teens and the Cupboard Love food bank.
The money raised from the crowdfunder will help pay for the activities offered in the youth clubs as well as other core costs such as cleaning, energy and repair bills.
It will also help maintain the centre for the 600 plus visits it receives each week.
Margie Barbour, a former trustee and current member of the fundraising team, said: “Since 2016, when Dorset Council stopped core funding of the BYCC it has been run by a volunteer trust, supported by the council.
“This funding has been far too small to maintain the building, staff and work.
“Despite the many efforts to increase the use of the centre by hirers and applying to various organisations for funding, the centre finds itself going to the town of Bridport for help.
“These funds will allow the centre some breathing space whilst it applies for even more funds."
Local traders backing the centre are offering rewards for donations such as free coffees or vouchers to spend in Bridport shops.
To donate to the cause, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/keep-bycc-open-2024#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20largest%20campaign,the%20600%2B%20visits%20each%20week.
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