by Jo Charlton

A campaign to raise money for a counselling service aimed at children who are "at risk of offending" is being launched in New Addington next week.

The Centre of Change project has been in the pipeline for over a year, but has had repeated problems with grants being refused.

However, the committee, which is made up of politicians and counsellors, has now decided to raise the much-needed funds itself.

Qualified counsellor Sarah Kiffin, who is in charge of the project, said: "We will provide free mentoring and counselling for young people.

"The main aim is to look at young people who are at risk of offending.

"That's the priority but it will also help any young person who has concerns."

The project would be run out of the Women's Centre in Overbury Crescent two days a week. It is expected to be open on a Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 5.30pm.

There will be information about council services and community groups available.

Accredited counsellors like Sarah will be on hand to offer advice on a range of subjects including further education.

Sarah, 66, who has lived in Fieldway for most of her life, has a lot of experience with troubled young people.

For six and a half years she has worked for Off The Record, a national counselling and information service for young people.

Sarah said: "We have good understanding and knowledge to help young people and to keep them out of the criminal justice system. That's the focus of this project.

"We're also trying to link with the Youth Offending Team [an organisation which includes police, council officers and the probation service] so we can help.

"They can just come in when they need someone to talk to."

Counsellors will give up their time for free to offer their services, however, use of the centre will cost around £280 per month.

The committee, which includes Fieldway councillors Simon Hall and Carole Bonner, has applied for various grants including one from Grassroots, a government scheme which provides funding for community groups, but was unsuccessful.

Members hope if they get enough funds to start the project this will improve their success in future bids.

The first fundraiser is at Addington High School in Fairchildes Avenue, at noon next Friday (February 12).

Three teachers have volunteered to have sponges thrown at them by colleagues and pupils for £1.

Sarah added: "Once the project starts we hope to get funding to keep it going from grants and doing various fundraisers."

The committee had a stall at People's Day in Milne Park last summer, and received a good response from young people interested in the service.