A Lancaster charity helping young people with their mental health could close by March unless it can find a partner or funding to help secure its future.
A.C.E, which stands for Achieve, Change and Engagement, works with children and young people aged 10 to 25 in the Lancaster and Morecambe District, helping them with their mental health.
The Sun Street-based charity helps children and young people whose mental health has been negatively affected by experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), to support them to improve their mental health and build emotional resilience.
But on Wednesday, the charity shared "difficult news about the future of ACE" via its Facebook page.
"After many years of providing specialist mental health support to children and young people across Lancaster and Morecambe, ACE is now facing a very difficult financial situation and is at risk of closure.
"We know this news may be worrying for the young people, families and supporters who are part of the ACE community, so we want to reassure those currently receiving support:
"There is no immediate change to your support.
"Our existing work with young people will continue while we explore options for the future.
"ACE has supported thousands of young people since we were founded in 2008, providing free, one-to-one, trauma-informed support for young people aged 10–25. Today, more than 150 young people are waiting for support.
"However, rising demand, increasing costs and an increasingly challenging funding environment mean that ACE is no longer financially sustainable in its current form.
"We are looking for a partner organisation that can help secure the future of this specialist local service.
"Our priority is the young people we support. We want to see the specialist knowledge, experienced practitioners, trusted relationships and support that ACE has built over many years continue to be available to young people who need it.
"We expect ACE to continue operating while discussions with potential partners take place. However, unless a suitable arrangement or substantial funding can be found, we may have to close by March 2027.
"We are particularly keen to hear from charities, health, wellbeing or community organisations that may be able to provide a sustainable home for the service.
"If you know an organisation that may be able to help, please share this post with them.
"And to everyone who has supported ACE, worked with us, referred to us, fundraised for us, or trusted us to support a young person - thank you."
A.C.E was founded 18 years ago by Sally Temple.
Sally Temple and Julian Prior from A.C.E
The A.C.E team delivers one-to-one person centred, solution focused, goal-based work, counselling, trauma therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy using a variety of methods to meet low to medium mental health needs of children and young people.
They work collaboratively with families and other organisations and services to support progression and recovery, taking referrals from professionals, parents, carers and young people themselves.
For details of how to contact A.C.E, see HERE.
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