Troubled town faces losing vital lifeline for young people

There are fears that vulnerable young people could be at risk if a drop-in centre in Hampshire is closed.

The Junction in Andover is a lifeline for many people who say they have nowhere else to go.

Now its future lies in the balance after the county council announced plans to cut funding by £56,000 next financial year. That accounts for around half its budget. The rest is provided by the Alabare charity which runs housing projects in the town.

Those fighting for its survival say losing The Junction would be a false economy.

Rachel Hepworth reports:

Rachel spoke to centre users Davey Woodruff, Alex Lee, Yasmin Jemmitt and Jasmin Coombs, Cllr Iris Anderson, Con, Test Valley Council and Centre manager Paula Philp.

The Junction has launched a Facebook petition.

The council have given us this response:

Many people from across the political spectrum are working behind the scenes to come up with a solution.

Among them, Tim Rolt, the Hampshire County Councillor for North Andover, who has this message:

Anyone who can offer help is asked to contact The Junction.

If you, or anyone else are in need of help or advice about depression and mental illness, there are services you can turn to. Please look at our suggested list.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at

jo@samaritans.org.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn't have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information.

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.

Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) good resource for young men who are feeling unhappy. As well as their website, CALM also has a helpline (0800 58 58 58). anyone