A CHRISTIAN group is planning to open a youth caf in York city centre, where homeless and other vulnerable young people could find help.

York Youth For Christ says it wants to extend its Bridges Of York project to provide a safe place to go for people aged 16 to 21, who are homeless, are living in bedsits or emergency accommodation, or who have left care.

It would also be available for young people still living at home who, for a variety of reasons, might need to go somewhere else for a few hours each day, said spokeswoman Di Christy Lewis.

She said the caf would not only provide food but also education in life skills, homework and IT facilities and medical support, and could also offer help in finding accommodation.

A mentoring system would help youngsters attend appointments with other agencies, and experienced JNC Qualified Youth workers would be used, backed up by volunteers

"This project is aimed at bridging the gaps in the support structure," said Di.

"We intend to work with existing local authority and voluntary agencies."

She said YYFC, established in 2000, had already carried out projects in the city under its Bridges Of York scheme, including one "pre-exclusion" project helping young people continue their education at York College. It also provided "pastoral assistants" in local nightclubs and helped at existing youth clubs.

She said the next step in opening the caf would be the preparation of a detailed business plan for a "viable and sustainable project", with the aim being to bring together professional, business and youth work experience.

The group was looking for suitable accommodation in the city centre area.

She said the White Swan in Piccadilly, a former hotel which has remained empty for many years, would be ideal as a base.

The group would also be seeking funding. "All suggestions, help and advice are welcome," she said.

Anyone able to assist should write to YYFC C/O Huntington Post Office, 43, North Moor Road, Huntington, phone 01904 769180 or email dianeandmichael@YYFC.freeserve.co.uk

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, May 25, 2005