FUNDS are needed by a charity that has helped young people play an active role in Dorset communities for almost 70 years.

The Dorset Youth Association (DYA) provides training and professional support for young people who dedicate their time to run more than 60 youth groups across the county.

The Dorchester-based charity will celebrate its 70th birthday in April.

The Do It for Dorset Campaign is a joint initiative between Dorset Echo and the Dorset Community Foundation – a registered charity dedicated to promoting charitable giving and grant making for charities and community groups across the county.

The Foundation works with secret millionaires, family businesses and companies, which want to give back to their community.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for charities signed up to localgiving.com.

DYA director Dave Thompson said: “DYA provide services for young people and support youth clubs and organisations in the county.

“Without the vital resources which are earned and generously donated by the public there would be no services for young people in many of our communities in Dorset.

He added: “As a direct result of the austerity measures we face as a country, it is becoming harder and harder to raise monies for local charities to provide local services.”

DYA also supports the Dorset 0-19 Forum, providing weekly information to over 280 youth work specialists. They also operate Routes, a young people’s advice Centre.

Last year DYA provided activities or support for over 5,000 young people including those who are vulnerable or with additional needs.

To mark DYA’s 70th birthday, one of their trustees is set to cross the channel in a sea kayak from Weymouth to Le Harve to raise funds.

Calls are being made for volunteers who are needed to fundraise, offer emergency cover to keep voluntary youth clubs open and to provide specialist activities or even to become members of management committees.

Here’s how your cash can help

£5 pays for a group of young people to have a hot meal.
£30 pays for an activity sessions for eight young people.
£100 pays for a day of training for volunteers.
To donate or find out more visit localgiving.com/charity/dorsetyouth To volunteer for DYA contact dannymcnamara@dorsetyouth.com If you are a charity, sports club, village hall or a community group and would like to join the Do It for Dorset campaign, contact localgiving.com manager Tracy Melling on 01202 315952