The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has opened a new £880,000 Youth for Christ operations centre in Halesowen, Birmingham.

The new purpose-built centre will operate as a base for Christian-inspired engagement with young people wanting a way out of gun crime and gang culture

Dr Sentamu, who is the President of Youth for Christ, said at the opening: "We must continue to engage with our local communities and work together to offer refuge to young people who seek an alternative to gangs that dominate their lives.

"Let every church be a centre of inspiration, a place of support, a place of nurture and encouragement for those seeking a new way of life."

Funds for the centre came through voluntary donations made by people with a passion for young people encountering God right where they are, be that in prison, on the streets, in drop-in centres or within their youth groups.

Dr Sentamu called the Government, churches and the wider community to support faith-based initiatives that have been key in transforming people's lives and their surrounding communities.

One such successful initiative is the Birmingham-based Bringing Hope project which highlighted in its recent 'The Damascus Road Principles' report the transformation taking place in the lives of people classed as 'disaffected', 'hard to reach' and 'hopeless'.

Roy Crowne, National Director of Youth for Christ, said: "Youth for Christ's commitment has always been to young people, wherever they are - in young offenders' institutions, secure units, in schools and in communities.

"YFC offers young people, including the marginalised and excluded, a place to belong, rediscover their self worth, build friendships - in and out of church - and to help them make right choices and life decisions."

Youth for Christ is a nationwide Christian ministry that works with 71,000 young people each week at 65 centres throughout the UK.