BRIDPORT has helped raise more than £7,000 within a week in a bid to save a beloved youth centre.

As previously reported, the Bridport Youth and Community Centre on Gundry Lane has started a crowdfunding campaign to save the centre.

It reportedly needs £20,000 to ensure its survival, and within a week since the news broke, funds towards the centre’s survival went from £1,131 to £7,604 with an estimated £1,355 donated in gift aid.

A spokesperson for the Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust, which oversees the centre, said: “Thank you for your incredible support. With each contribution, we're one step closer to securing the future of our centre and serving our community.

“Keep spreading the word and let's keep this momentum going strong.”

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. 

Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust took over the youth centre from the former 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 must fight for its survival.

Data from the charity commission for England and Wales shows that, in the financial year ending Sunday, March 31 2023, the trust running the centre had a total income of £101,248 but a total expenditure of £129,162. The total income figure includes £38,031 received from five government grants.

A host of groups and activities will need to find a home or cease to exist, including both junior and senior youth clubs, a boxing club and the Cupboard Love food bank.

Local traders have been backing the crowdfunding by 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.