BROMSGROVE’S St Basils has been given a £54,136 pre-Christmas funding boost by the Worcestershire Freemasons.
The charity, based in New Road, offers support to young people aged between 16 and 23, helping them find safe accommodation and offering them assistance with health problems, employment, education and training.
The Bromsgrove scheme, officially opened in 2009, has 24-hour on-site support for up to 15 young men and women who have a local connection.
The homes provided are a mixture of studio and one-bedroom flats and there is a training kitchen where the young people can learn lifelong cookery skills to help them become more independent.
There are also communal spaces and an ICT room where they can online. The scheme also has a learning skills and work adviser to help with CVs, job-seeking, college applications and funding and volunteering opportunities.
The grant, from the Worcestershire Freemasons, comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, contributed by Freemasons, their family and friends across England and Wales.
Barrie Hodge, head of fund-raising from St Basils, said: “We are absolutely overjoyed the Worcestershire Freemasons have decided to support our much needed work in the Bromsgrove area.
“This fabulous grant will enable us to employ a full time support worker to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain new skills, employment and a place of their very own to live in.
“We are very grateful to the Worcestershire Freemasons for their generosity.”
Leigh Hesketh, support manager at St Basils, Bromsgrove, said the charity was overjoyed with the support.
“Having the extra support will allow the young people to have someone available to assist with any issues that may arise during their transition period offering help, advice and emotional support.
“This will hopefully ensure they sustain their tenancy and break the cycle of homelessness.”
R W Bro Robert Vaughan, Provincial Grand Master from the Worcestershire Freemasons said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to assist St Basils.
“They do an outstanding job with support services to help young people through very difficult times to develop the skills and confidence to move on.”
