The Beck, at Killingbeck Business Park, off York Road, has also created 22 jobs for experts who will provide advice, support and services for 13 to 19-year-olds on issues as varied as sexual health, drugs and alcohol abuse, conflict resolution, jobs and education, to help improve their opportunities.

High rates of teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment and low aspirations, are just some of the problems faced by young people in the deprived neighbourhood.

Over the next 17 months around 1,500 teenagers needing additional support are expected to benefit from intensive one-to-one work as well as group sessions.

Most youngsters will be referred by other agencies but they will also be encouraged to refer themselves.

Sally Hoy, project manager, said: "There certainly isn't anything
similar to this anywhere else in Leeds."

She said rather than delivering 'generic youth work' The Beck was a youth information, advice and counselling service.

She added: "There's also preventative aspects. The idea is hopefully that by intervening in one way or another there will be a lessening in crime and antisocial behaviour.

"Hopefully we will be getting people into positive opportunities, keeping them in school or supporting them to move on into college or work."

She added: "A lot of these young people have low expectations, we are trying to raise those. I'm hoping we will be able to make a difference."

A Leeds charity which helps regenerate communities, called re'new, won £1.8m of Government cash to fund the project.

It is based on its successful Archway scheme in Harehills which provides services enabling 16 to 25-year-olds to live independently and achieve their potential.

The Beck is working in partnership with organisations including Gipton Supported Independent Living (Gipsil), Children Leeds, Leeds Youth Offending Service, local schools and Leeds Youth Service.

Funding runs out in March 2011 so finding more cash to ensure the project can continue is a priority.

Coun Matthew Lobley (Con, Roundhay) chairman of re'new, said: "re'new's work has benefited thousands of young people throughout Leeds over the years.

"The opening of The Beck means that there is greater opportunity for re'new's innovative work to reach more young people. I have seen what the Archway Resource Centre has delivered and I am excited at the prospect of what The Beck has to offer."