SERVICE users have made impassioned pleas in defence of a “vital” youth drop-in facility.

Alex Leigh and Leia Thomas have spoken out against a £56,000 funding cut to The Junction by Hampshire County Council recently.

Paula Phillips, Alex Leigh and Janet Herring attended a full HCC meeting in Winchester last Thursday.

Mr Leigh said: “I, as a service user myself, was homeless this time last year.

“I was in a hostel, which wasn’t a very nice place.

"The only place to go during the day was to The Junction to get the facilities, use the phone to arrange doctor’s appointments, have a chat with the staff, and have something to eat and socialise with other people.

“I’ve seen the affect it had had on a lot of other young people’s lives. They get the chance to socialise with people that they generally wouldn’t really get the chance to socialise with.

“I was quite an outspoken young man, I had some fire in my belly, and I was very harsh with my words.

"They taught me respect and values, of when and where to use appropriate language, and I think that is important in life, to teach young people respect and I appreciate them for that.

“The Junction is the only place some young people can go and socialise with people.

“Otherwise they would be isolated and feel like more of a prisoner than a person, and it’s wrong for anyone to feel scared or afraid.

“The Junction’s been in Andover for 13 years so the community doesn’t really know what it’s like to not have it.

“I think crime rates will go up, young suicide rates will go up, it’ll cost you all a hell of a lot more money in the long run.”

Leia Thomas organised a march to raise awareness within the community on Saturday, February 11.

The 22-year-old, of Cricketers Way, said: “I organised a walking protest specifically because I felt it would have an impact on the community.

“The High Street can be filled with people on a Saturday afternoon and I knew a group of us with signs could provide information to anyone who required it and was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness.

“If HCC proceed with plans to cut its funding without any alternative they are effectively displaying a worrying amount of apathy for young people’s wellbeing.

“A key aspect of the walk was to bring our message to people that may have missed it – raising awareness in every corner of town to every available person willing to listen and willing to help.

"I was one of the young people who deeply benefited from The Junction’s atmosphere as a drop-in centre where you could go and relax.

“You received no judgement and the staff have always been excellent at building up personal relationships with the young people.

“I feel The Junction helps young people in turmoil or a crossroads in their life; there is so much you’re not taught at school and it can be overwhelming and embarrassing not to understand such common aspects of life.

“If HCC understood the true uniqueness and importance of this service, I do not believe it could stand by its decision.”

To find out more, visit ‘Save The Junction’ – Andover on Facebook.

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