An organisation which supports young people from war-torn countries desperately needs more money.

Fundraising for The Hummingbird Project, a Brighton-based charity, has taken a back seat while it has focused on running its services.

Founder Elaine Ortiz said it was now running low on funds.

She said: “We have been kept going by crowdfunding in the past, but we have been so busy providing our services that we haven’t been focusing on raising money recently.

“We are almost 100 per cent volunteer-led, but we do have to pay some sessional workers.

“Donations will also go towards our running costs, trips and activities for the young refugees we work with, and things like vouchers for utility bills and bus passes for them.”

The charity has set a target of £5,000 for its latest crowdfunding campaign. It had raised more than £1,900 in its first day.

The charity was formed three years ago and used to make regular trips to Calais.

It has since found its home in Brighton and was granted charity status in October last year.

Elaine said: “We meet the mental health needs of the young people we work with, who are dealing with all kinds of trauma.

“They may be going through the asylum process, struggling financially or having difficulty understanding our system.

“We offer them a helping hand and empower them.”

The charity’s Global Social Club is a cultural exchange designed to help refugees integrate and make new friends.

They also run a homework club, led by Dr Michael Taylor of the University of Sussex, to support those aged 11 and over with their school and college work.

Donations can be made at chuffed.org/project/hummingbirdrefugeeproject.