VULNERABLE young people have a better chance of “transforming their lives” after a youth centre was handed cash to help people with depression and drug use.

Abingdon Bridge secured £2,500 after councillors praised the work of the centre in Bridge Street.

The service, set up in the 1990s, gives free counselling and emotional support to people aged between 13 and 25.

Community groups, schools and the police’s youth offenders team can refer people to the centre for one-on-one support.

Chris Bryan, chairman of trustees at the Abingdon Bridge, said it needed money for a healthy lifestyle project to tackle depression and drug abuse.

He said: “We have moved away from specifically addressing drug issues. We try to encourage young people to look at their whole lifestyle, as a healthy body and healthy mind helps with the counselling process.”

The programme includes workshops on how to prepare healthy meals, supported by food banks, and sessions at the gym.

Mr Bryan said: “These kids wouldn’t be able to afford to go to the gym normally. It’s about making them appreciate that life can be different, raising self esteem and making them more independent.”

He said focusing on exercise and healthy eating gives people a sense of purpose, which makes their mindset stronger to tackle other issues.

He added: “We want to help them have a more fulfilling life and get them into employment. Many young people suffer with stress-related issues like depression and anxiety, sometimes from loneliness or bullying.”

He said people who are drug-dependent could spiral into a life of crime if they find it difficult to get a job.

The charity struggled to raise funds in their usual way of approaching charitable trusts.

Mr Bryan said: “We have had to become more creative in seeking funds from elsewhere. We aren’t getting money from Children in Need or Comic Relief anymore because the criteria is much tighter.”

Abingdon Town Council already supports the centre with an annual grant of £5,300 which pays for salaries of the three full-time councillors and one youth worker.

The additional supplementary grant will pay for the healthy lifestyle project.

The additional money was awarded by Abingdon Town Council at a finance meeting on a Tuesday when Mr Bryan was “absolutely overwhelmed” by its support.

Sandy Lovatt, leader of Abingdon Town Council, said: “The Abingdon Bridge is very highly regarded by police, schools and social workers looking after young people in Abingdon.

“Their process of mentoring is something young people can communicate with,” she added.