The battle to provide youth services amid an increasing struggle for funding has been brought home to East Hampshire’s MP during a visit to Liss.

Damian Hinds MP met staff and supporters of the Crossover Youth Centre and enthused about its varied and supportive community work.

But he also learned how difficult it is for the “amazing” centre to run its free services and activities because of financial restraints.

Mr Hinds was told about all the projects currently running at the Station Road centre. These include drop-in sessions for specific years, holiday programmes, off-site activities, tennis coaching and groups dedicated to home educated youngsters, music, and Level Up individuals.

He was also impressed with their music group, where beginners can master instruments and band craft, with some of its members recently performing at Selborne Primary School’s Fosstival.

Future plans, difficulties and challenges were discussed when Mr Hinds met trustees Ben Love, Tess Evans and John de la Perrelle, centre manager Dominique Mau-Rowson and lead youth worker, Sean Quinn.

“Thank you for the great work you’re delivering in the local community,” said Mr Hinds, while acknowledging the Crossover is also attracting young people from wider areas of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

“The Crossover doesn’t charge for any activities, which is its ethos, meaning there are no barriers to participation,” said Mr Quinn in summarising the visit and emphasising the need for support, both financial and voluntarily.

“However, like most charities today, Crossover is struggling for funds. Finances are depleting and we’re always in need of donations and we’re so grateful for them, whether they are regular, occasional or one-off.”

Volunteers are also needed to support sessions. Anyone interested in working with young people should email [email protected] for more information and an application form.

For more details visit www.crossoverliss.org.uk