A NEW youth group has been launched for youngsters with autism and other problems.

Kids Konnect hopes to bring children and teenagers, who have been unable to take part in mainstream activities, together in a bid to form friendships.

The club, which meets at the Tonge Fold Ucan centre, was founded by volunteers Chelly Molyneux and Jonathan Whitter after they received funding from the East Bolton Regeneration project.

Chelly and Jonathan, both aged 25, were shocked to discover there were no children's activities or groups for youngsters with autism and decided to do something about it.

Chelly, a Bolton University student, who also works as a volunteer Austism Society, said: "I work with a child with autism and it really upset me because I was trying to get him referred to different agencies and there was just nothing for him. Jonathan's brother has autism and he was also shocked.

"We decided we had to something and so applied for funding to get this off the ground."

Youngsters at the group, which is held every Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, are divided into four groups and can take part in a wide range of activities, including drama, arts and crafts, sport and computing skills.

Jonathan said: "All the activities are run by qualified teachers and youth workers. We hope through this, young people who come along will be able to build their self-esteem, confidence and team building."

Those who attended the group during the school holidays have hailed it a success.

Chelly said: "Parents are really happy with it because it's somewhere their children can go. It's a safe environment and they can have some respite from their caring role."

Kids Konnect is at the Ucan centre, Dunstan Street, on 01204 381525, by email at chelly@kids konnect.co.uk and on www.kidskonnect.co.uk