A CHRISTIAN retreat is planning to set up a specialist counselling service for young people.

Holy Rood House Centre for Health and Pastoral Care, in Thirsk, is looking for funding to create a dedicated youth counselling service.

It will offer help to teenagers and young adults dealing with problems such as bereavement, drug addiction, eating disorders and illness.

The money will pay for a project manager and for changes to the Sowerby Road centre to create a youth-friendly environment.

Holy Rood House offers psychotherapy, art and drama therapy, stress management and meditation to people from all walks of life.

It already has a counselling service that is available to young and older people, but is looking to expand and formalise its youth operation.

The Reverend Elizabeth Baxter, executive director of Holy Rood House, said the centre would be working with local schools, Thirsk Clock and Scout and Guide groups to raise awareness of the service, which is expected to be up and running after Easter.

She said: "We know that there is a real need for this, therefore we feel confident that funding will come.

"It is very important that the right space is provided and the right people are working there because when young people are going through a difficult time, they need to know that they are having the best we can offer.

"We are already offering counselling and it is the best we can offer, but the youth counselling service will be a project which more young people will be able to access.

"Changes are needed to our premises to provide a friendly space that is not intimidating to young people so they feel good about coming here."

Plans for the new service have won the backing of Cynthia Welbourn, North Yorkshire County Council's corporate director of education.

She said: "The centre undoubtedly provides for otherwise unmet needs in the community.

"The services are targeted at vulnerable young people who may otherwise drift into more serious situations and is, therefore, of long-term value to the community."