A charity which helps young people who are out of education, training or employment, get back on the right path, may be forced to close.

Fairbridge in Kent, which is based in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, is under threat of closure due to lack of cash, as it has been unable to secure the level of funding it needs to ensure it can be run properly.

The charity has helped hundreds of young people between the ages of 13 and 25, turn their lives around.

Many have taken part in programmes to help them face their problems including exclusion from school, offending behaviour, substance abuse, homelessness and mental health issues.

A campaign to try and save the centre has been launched on social netwoking site, Facebook, anyone wishing to support the cause is asked to sign up to it. Already more than 120 people have done so.

Sources close to the charity say the need for it to support marginalised young people in Medway will only become greater in the coming months, because of the current economic climate.

It is believed the charity needs to find an extra £55,000 within the next two weeks to stay open.

Mark Frodsham, head of communications at Fairbridge, said: “Fairbridge targets its operations in areas of greatest need but can only work successfully where the environment is supportive.

“This support needs to include an element of financial commitment and unfortunately in Kent and Medway we have so far been unable to secure the level needed to ensure the centre is sustainable.

“The situation is such that, in absence of this local commitment, we have been forced to consider the possible closure of the centre.

“Fairbridge remains deeply committed to your young people and it is our earnest desire to continue operations in Kent and Medway.

“We are working with the local authorities to secure the funding necessary to remain open.”

River ward councillor Bill Esterson,(Lab) a supporter of the centre, added: “If the centre closes it will be a huge blow to young people in Medway, a really sad loss.

“I have asked Rose Collinson, (director of children and adult services at Medway Council) to consider awarding funding to the charity."