A VOLUNTEER at the Kings Arms in Petersfield is training to cycle from London to Brighton to raise money for the popular youth centre and a project she is heading.

Clare Pilkington moved to Petersfield about 18-months-ago and joined the centre in the Festival Hall car park soon after, and is now jointly leading the Youthlink project.

It will bring together organisations who work with, coach or support young people, aged 11 to 19 in the Petersfield, Liss and Liphook areas, so they can share resources and expertise.

The first Youthlink meeting is in the Kings Arms on Friday (May 12) from noon to 2pm, and any organisations, groups, or volunteers who work with young people are invited to attend.

Clare said: “We want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to develop, emotionally, mentally and physically, in a positive way.

“We can share resources and expertise, improve existing facilities and help them all to participate in the range of activities on offer.

“In addition, we are compiling a Youthlink directory of all these organisations that will be distributed to every young person in the area in September.

“Given the challenges of modern life, I believe that Youthlink can make a real difference to our community and will contribute towards the wellbeing of our young people.”

To help raise funds for the project and centre, Clare is training to take part in the 54-mile London to Brighton cycle ride on Sunday, June 18.

She said: “The King’s Arms Youth Centre meets the needs of young people of Petersfield and surrounding villages.

“Volunteers run clubs, both after school and in the evenings, for young people aged between 11 and 19, and it supports young carers aged eight and above from across East Hampshire.

“In addition, they offer mentoring and befriending services, skills workshops focussing on specific issues such as anxiety, self-harm, anger management and conflict resolution, programmes to boost confidence and self-esteem, and groups for young people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

“I have been inspired by the work at The King’s Arms and I am keen to raise awareness and cash to support it.”

To sponsor her visit the secure webpage www.justgiving.com /fundraising/clare-pilkington.

For more details about the Youthlink project email Clare on [email protected]