Children and young people across Somerset who are facing challenges, including isolation, lack of confidence and struggles with mainstream education, have been given a boost thanks to a grant from Somerset Freemasons.
The initial grant of £2,000 to Young Somerset will help support young people right across the county with new opportunities in their communities.
Young Somerset actively works with children of all ages and their families and is the primary youth work charity in Somerset.
They deliver a range of services that support young people's personal, social, economic, and educational development. Amongst other things, they deliver targeted youth groups, support young people through work placement programmes, and provide youth workers in health settings, as well as offering 1to1educational support.
The charity's most recent impact report, covering 2021 to 2023, highlights how Young Somerset has been able to increase school attendance by 70% and helped Somerset Child and Adolescent Mental Health services to achieve a reduction in re-admission to hospital for self-injury or suicide attempt by over 50%.
26 young people have been supported to obtain paid employment, and 37 young entrepreneurs to sell through their Bold and Brave Shop.
Alex Walker, Young Somerset's service manager, said:
"We are incredibly thankful for the support and donation from the Somerset Freemasons. This funding has been distributed across the organisation to provide resources for young people to help them improve their confidence, reduce social isolation and to help them learn new skills. With their funding, we will be able to provide the communities we serve with new opportunities so they are able to form lasting friendships with their peers, who can help each other to make informed decisions for change in the future".
Geoff Lester from Somerset Freemasons added:
"I am very pleased we have been able to help Young Somerset with their hugely valuable programme for local children who need this crucial support. Thanks to Young Somerset, these young people show improvement in all areas of their lives and have a far greater chance of making a better life for themselves in the future."
