AN ABINGDON charity which helps disadvantaged young people says some of its services are at risk after it suffered a drop in cash support.

The Abingdon Bridge has £28,000 to spend this year compared to £60,000 last year, when it finished with a £3,245 deficit.

Now it is warning projects to help homeless youngsters find housing and work will run out of cash, putting one job at risk.

The Bridge Street drop-in centre, which employs seven part-time staff, provides support on issues such as drugs and sexual health for those aged 13 to 25.

Chairman Derek Pooley said the economic climate meant there was less cash from grant giving bodies and the state, leading to higher competition between charities for funds.

He said: “We will have to cut some of the good work we are doing if we do not get more money. With the funding reductions for youth support elsewhere our work is becoming relatively more important.”

He added: “If these youngsters are not helped to become happy adults and good citizens they can end up on benefits or into crime and it is a disaster for them and for us.”

Last year about 180 youngsters were helped by the charity.

Secretary Neil Boston said: “It is not about to shut down but we have been spending more money than we have been getting in so we need to do something about it.

“In general terms it is now harder for all charitable organisations to acquire the funding they need.”