A WINCHESTER-based charity that works to give a voice to children and young people will remain open – despite announcing closure earlier this year.

Thousands of video and print resources belonging to Fixers will remain accessible following a decision to keep the organisation running.

A verdict had been made in May to wind-down the ongoing operations of the charity after it became clear that, under a previous management and a previous board, it had 'not taken appropriate steps to build sufficient financial reserves' to cover costs as funding slowed.

The majority of staff have been made redundant, and there are currently four remaining employees on extended notice periods.

They will leave Fixers by the end of the week (September 20) and the new model will be run entirely by volunteers.

Current board chairman, Ralph Bernard, said: "We are very pleased to have reached such a positive outcome for the charity and its beneficiaries.

"Since taking the very sad decision to wind-down Fixers, the question over what happens to the resources has been at the forefront of our minds.

"We were extremely impressed with the submission from former staff members, who over the years have supported marginalised young people and created outstanding resources.

"The board regards these individuals as fit and proper, with detailed knowledge of beneficiary vulnerabilities and the archive of media assets."

He added: "Transition to a new board will allow a seamless handover between remaining staff and new volunteers and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those involved for everything they have done to keep the Fixers story alive."

New trustees will be admitted on to the board over the next few weeks.

A phased handover, expected to take six months, will then begin in October.

Lucy Tatchell, Fixers acting CEO, added: “This is a fantastic outcome for the charity and for the young people we have worked with over the years.

"Their wishes have always been our most important consideration.

"Over the past few months I have been approached by past Fixers requesting we keep all the resources together in one place and I’m thrilled we have been able to find a suitable group of individuals to enable this to happen.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our funders, who have remained committed to supporting the charity through turbulent times."

Fixers, also known as Public Service Broadcasting Trust, was founded in 2008.

Since its inception, some 23,000 young people have worked on campaigns covering any issue from mental health, bullying and crime, to child sexual exploitation, poverty, and disability.