WINCHESTER Street Reach is celebrating a major grant from the National Lottery to help alleviate the effects of isolation and loneliness for young people.

The charity has been awarded just over £68,000 to support its work with vulnerable young people.

Winchester Street Reach will use the grant to deliver a weekly project targeted towards young people Not in Employment Education or Training (NEET).

Winchester Street Reach, previously called the Detached Youth Work Project, has been running since 1983.

The youth worker team offer support to young people in a targeted way, with detached youth work at its core. Through consistent, street-based sessions the team builds important relationships with young people to offer support, particularly around keeping safe in relation to alcohol, substance use and relationships.

The new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund will enable the charity to work with young people in more depth by delivering a weekly project called ‘Belong, Connect, Achieve’. Participants will be referred by local secondary schools, Winchester Street Reach’s own projects and local partner agencies. The project will have an arts focus and be designed to be inclusive and welcoming to young people that may have anxieties around attending. Minibus transport will be provided.

Ben Martin, project manager, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to deliver this important project for local young people and look to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst participants. The project also aims to help them to engage in other activities, make a return to education, employment or training, as well as attending Winchester Street Reach activities. We are very excited to be working with the National Lottery.”

James Harcourt, England grant-making director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Lottery money continues to change the lives of thousands of people across the UK. From community-led projects, such as Winchester Street Reach, that reduce loneliness and isolation to those supporting young people to overcome modern-day challenges, this quarter’s funding has been awarded to groups with the ideas, knowledge and passion to empower their community to thrive.”

As a result of this funding, Winchester Street Reach is looking to recruit youth workers to help deliver a variety of projects to engage young people and help them reach their full potential. The work will be based in Winchester and surrounding areas.

To apply, please download an application form from our website: https://www.winchesterstreetreach.org/support-us.