A YOUTH club for youngsters with special needs is desperately appealing for cash to open again after the summer holidays. If Youthy 2000 cannot find £5,000 quickly, there is a chance its members may not be able to meet up again when it is due to re-start

A YOUTH club for youngsters with special needs is desperately appealing for cash to open again after the summer holidays.

If Youthy 2000 cannot find £5,000 quickly, there is a chance its members may not be able to meet up again when it is due to re-start in September.

"We're desperately searching everywhere for funding, said Kathy Mackenzie, co-ordinator for Time 2 Talk which runs the project.

"We really hope someone can come forward and help us.

"Many of our members have been part of Youthy 2000 since it was born and there is nothing else like it in the area for them.

"We need this amount of money because extra specialist carers and helpers that are needed for the club.

"It will be a huge loss to these families if we have to go."

Youthy 2000 - which is held at Larkfields Day Centre - was launched eight years ago.

It organises activities and events - including discos, crafts and games - for youngsters over 11 years old with special needs.

Members travel from all over East Cambridgeshire to meet their friends every Tuesday night.

And it is hoped that someone will step in at the eleventh-hour to help the club continue its good work.

Kathy added: "Youthy 2000 gives youngsters with special needs a chance to meet and socialise with other young people in the area.

"Even parents stay for a chat while the youngsters are busy socialising.

"But the way things are at the moment, we won't be starting up again in September.

"Please contact me if you think you'd be able to help us."

INFO: Contact Kathy on 01353 688282 if you may be able to help Youthy 2000 stay open.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE. 3287hd0708