A CHARITY which helps young people with mental health difficulties is looking for a new venue due to the impending closure of a council-owned building.

In their Shoes runs a support group for children and their families every Wednesday at The Ryefield Centre in Old Grammar Close in Ross-on-Wye.

But from January they need to find new premises as the remaining groups which use the Herefordshire Council facility have been given notice to quit.

A day care centre and a children's centre have already moved from the centre following the decision made by the council last year.

Co-founder of In Their Shoes Jo Parsons said: "“Integrated support in a caring and relaxed setting is crucial to the wellbeing of our children and their families. At the moment we haven't got anywhere for our support group."

At the moment the charity, which was set up last year, offers support to seven families at their Wednesday group. But there is a waiting list.

Jo added: "The charity has done really well. It is what I could have hoped for. There are so many people out there, even now, we have not reached. The need is huge."

She said a lot of the children they work with would struggle within a large hall due to the noise. At the current centre they use three different rooms, so there is space but not in a big hall - something similar would be ideal.

The charity also acts as advocates in professional meetings, provides signposting to other organisations and offers professional support and fun activities.

A Herefordshire Council spokeswoman said: "Changes at the Ryefield Centre follow a decision made in 2017 to make the most of sharing buildings for community use, especially bringing together the children centres and the library which will help retain these services in Ross.

"Community groups with a formal arrangement to use the Ryefield Centre were notified of the changes in the summer and many have found alternative locations knowing the centre will be closing to the public in early 2019. Any remaining local groups using the centre are welcome to discuss alternative arrangements such as using the library."

The Ryefield Centre will be released for development and these options are being finalised for early in the new year.

If you think you can help the charity find a new venue contact Jo or Alan at InTheirShoes@outlook.com or call them on 07882 552241.