YOUNG people who are supported by the SMASH Youth Project will soon be able to benefit from a host of free sports and leisure activities thanks to a new partnership between the charity and the Link Centre.

SMASH works with youngsters who, through no fault of their own, face difficulties at home, in school and in other social settings. They are teamed up with a volunteer ‘mentor’ for a year, who provides vital encouragement, support and guidance.

The partnership with the Link Centre - run by GLL’s Better brand - will see youngsters aged between 13 and 19 enjoy free weekly sports sessions including ice skating or trampolining alongside gym, fitness or games training.

It is hoped that the activities will enrich the relationship between the mentors and the young people, helping with confidence development and work around improving social skills and relationship building.

Better staff will also deliver talks and advice on careers in leisure to those nearing employment age.

Targeted at young people reaching the end of their GCSEs, the management team at the Link Centre will host bi-annual careers days, offering the potential for youngsters to join the leisure operator’s apprenticeship scheme.

Commenting on the new initiative, Paul Dodd, general manager at the Link, said: “We’ve worked with SMASH on an ad hoc basis over the past 18 months and are aware of the fantastic and valuable work the charity does for local youngsters.

“We wanted to do more to help and I’m confident that the new sessions we’re putting on will provide some really valuable, enjoyable recreation time for mentors and the young people they support.

“We also hope that in the longer term we will be able to provide career opportunities for some of the SMASH youngsters we have got to know.”

Zoe Ashworth, Building Bridges case manager at the SMASH Youth Project, said: “We’re very grateful to the team at the Link Centre for their time, the opportunity to use their facilities and their ongoing support.

“They are enabling young people to enjoy activities that we could not otherwise fund and the careers advice and opportunities for school leavers will be really invaluable for many of those looking for a first foothold in employment.”

SMASH is currently recruiting new volunteers for its mentoring programme. To learn more visit www.smashyouthproject.co.uk