VULNERABLE youngsters and ethnic minorities are set to benefit from a massive £1.1 million cash injection, it was announced today.

No Limits, a charity advice service for young people aged 14-25 in Southampton, is getting £700,000 over three years to expand its success-ful initiative across the city.

The cash has now guaranteed the project's future. It was first begun five years ago in Shirley Road, Shirley, and will now be able to open two new offices in Southampton - one in the city centre and one in the east of the city within the next 18 months.

The money comes from the government's Single Regeneration Budget which aims to revamp rundown inner city areas, and other cash comes from partners in business and industry.

Chair of the management committee Josie Brooks said: "We are thrilled by the money. It means that No Limits will continue to go from strength to strength. This will give us the opportunity to provide a bigger service and help more young people with a wide range of questions and problems."

No Limits gives independent and confidential advice to vulnerable young people on issues including family problems, drugs and alcohol, plus careers advice and leisure.

Last year it helped 700 people who dropped into its offices or telephoned.

It is also works with agencies such as Southampton City Council, health and social services and the police.

The rest of the cash windfall, some £395,000, has gone to Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce to help them put in a business support centre in the heart of the inner city.

The centre will provide support to businesses existing and new, particularly those started up by ethnic minorities in the area.

Director General of the Chamber of Commerce Mike Heath said: "We are delighted that our bid has been approved and we are looking forward to working with the local business community."

In total, with extra investment from the private sector, the projects will inject £1.7 million into the regeneration area, which includes St Mary's, Northam and Bevois Valley.

Regeneration boss Paul Jenks said: "They are great schemes, both people projects. We are really pleased we can hand over the cash and work can start."

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