A PROGRAMME to inspire homeless and disadvantaged youngsters will kick off in March.

Ignition Newhaven will support young people in the local community who are experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, with lives that are challenging and often lacking stability.

The unique programme for local youngsters will be run by the Salvation Army Housing Association’s Newhaven Foyer in partnership with innovative national charity Youth at Risk and has been made possible by funding from the Henry Smith Foundation.

The programme will use Youth at Risk’s successful “tough love” approach, and one youngster on a previous programme said: “It was like a light bulb switch went in my head and suddenly changed the way I looked at everything.”

Whilst on the course, youngsters will have the chance to work through past issues, realise their talents and work towards a future with a new positive vision that they are excited about.

A key role will be played by local volunteers who will coach for nine months as those on the programme work towards goals and keep them on track with positive changes.

The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for people who are vulnerable in every community.

Its Housing Association’s Newhaven Foyer works to ensure young people who have become homeless are empowered to move forward in their lives, receive opportunities to flourish and reach their aspirations, and gain sustainable independence.

The Foyer’s staff took part in the Youth at Risk Professionals’ programme and manager Anna Cooley-Greene said: “Youth at Risk Professionals’ training renewed our staff’s way of working with young people, ensuring we were able to focus on what our young people were saying, to respond and as a result best support them as they transformed their lives.

“We’re excited to offer the life-changing course to our young people and the community through tough love.”

Recruitment has now begun for the local volunteers needed to coach and support young people throughout the programme.

For more information or to volunteer as a coach, contact Sue Handley on (01763) 241120 or susan@youthatrisk.org.uk.