A YOUTH project has made a desperate plea for volunteers to help make 2004 a more fulfilling year for 10 troubled youngsters.

SMASH the Swindon Mentoring and Self Help group has become so successful over the past year that it now has a waiting list of vulnerable children in need of help.

Mentors befriend the youngsters, helping to steer them away from trouble and towards a brighter future.

A new 12-week training programme starts in January, but more volunteers are needed to cope with demand.

The charity, based in the Limes Centre in Green Road, Upper Stratton, has 10 volunteers waiting to be trained, but 10 more are needed.

The mentors form a strong bond with the young people, boosting their self confidence and helping them make the most if their skills.

The young people set out a list of goals which they try to achieve over a year.

Adults are paired up with children who have similar interests, so they can enjoy hobbies together. They usually meet once a week.

Youngsters are referred to SMASH from social services, educational welfare officers, Swindon's Youth Offending Team and the psychiatric unit at the Great Western Hospital.

Rebecca Rice, SMASH manager, said volunteers need to be interested in young people, reliable and open-minded.

She made an urgent plea for help, saying: "If we don't get enough volunteers, then these young people will become disillusioned. Many people get a lot of personal satisfaction from mentoring, and it can also provide valuable experience for anyone wanting a career in youth work.''

The charity, which was set up in 1996, particularly needs more mentors from ethnic minorities. The training course starts on January 7 and sessions are held between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesday nights at the SMASH centre.

Topics covered include confidentiality, drug awareness and dealing with sexually abused children.

For more details, call SMASH on 01793 836667.

Tamash Lal