A charity providing social activities for disabled youngsters is facing an uncertain future.

The Under 19 Project, operated by Hastingwood-based charity Accuro, may have to close in March 2014, due to lack of funding.

At present, 11 to19-year-olds from across the district benefit from two weekly social clubs, small group activities and outings, and a one-to-one befriending service.

Project co-ordinator Gemma Rich said “For more than ten years our project has not only significantly increased the leisure and social opportunities for local young people with a disability, but has also assisted many young people in building their self-confidence and independence in developing their social skills and by reducing the social isolation that some of them were experiencing.”

Until earlier this year the project was primarily funded by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund and the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

The Children in Need funding ended in May and the project says it has only been able to continue by calling on some of Accuro’s limited reserves.

Accuro CEO Arthur Steward said: “Like many organisations in the voluntary sector we are facing significant financial challenges and indeed our Under 19 project is just one of three projects that are under fairly imminent threat.

“We are however working hard to try to secure funding for all the projects that are under threat of closure, including our under 19 Project the loss of which would have a considerable detrimental effect on a significant group of local young people with a disability.”

Anyone interested in assisting Accuro with fundraisers, should contact Gemma Rich by ringing 01279 443769 or emailing her at gemmarich@accuro.org.uk.