A COUNSELLING scheme for young people will be forced to fold at the end of the month despite its success.

Redditch YMCA launched Start Again last May following an Awards for All grant but funding was only available for a pilot scheme.

Chief Executive Alan Fraser said the scheme was a big success - demand had been high and he was confident it demonstrated a need for it to be provided locally.

But he added the Awards for All cash was about to run out and it had been impossible to persuade any other grant-making body to continue supporting the venture.

Start Again, for 16 to 25 year olds with emotional difficulties or who are experiencing personal crisis, involves confidential sessions with a trained counsellor.

Mr Fraser added an application to Connexions was unsuccessful, a last-ditch bid through Supporting People had been refused and the YMCA was dealt a further blow when an application for increased funding from Redditch Council was also turned down.

Statutory agencies who could support the counselling scheme can call Mr Fraser on 61643, e-mail alan.fraser@redditchymca.org.uk or write to him at t£he YMCA, Church Hill Centre, Loxley Close, Redditch B98 9JG.