The plight of trafficked women and children in India has touched the hearts of teenagers from schools across Bournemouth.

Now eight volunteers are planning to spend a fortnight at an orphanage in Mysore next summer, building a library for traumatised trafficking victims.

They will be accompanied on the trip of a lifetime in June by three youth workers including Townsend youth centre manager Natalie Cresswell.

She told the Daily Echo: “So far we have raised £3,000 for the project; another £4,000 is needed by the end of February.

“The credit crunch is making fundraising difficult but everyone is rallying round to make the trip possible.”

Various events are being planned to fund the expedition including an alternative therapy afternoon at Dorset House, Bournemouth Youth Service’s headquarters, in January and an Indian night at the Jazz café in Shore Road, Sandbanks, in February.

Natalie has travelled to India three times and worked at the orphanage.

She said: “The shell of the library has been erected and I pledged that I would be back to fit it out, complete with computers and books.

“Two of the teenagers going to India haven’t even been out of this country so it will be an incredible experience for them.” On Natalie’s return from India, Jane Etheridge, who manages Muscliff Youth Centre, readily agreed to support the mission of mercy along with Nacro youth worker Dominic Weir, whose carpentry skills will be invaluable.

Jane said: “The trip will be life-changing for us and the teenagers, who are all aged between 16 and 18.

“Compared to youngsters in India, they have led a very cushioned life.

“They have each raised £350. They realise it is going to be hard work and not a holiday. When they come back they will tell pupils in other local schools about their experiences and do their bit to stop human trafficking on our own shores.”

  • If you would like to support the project, send donations to registered charity Townsend Youth Centre at Jewell Road, Bournemouth. For more information phone 01202 546213 or 01202 729126.