Two projects in Morecambe helping young adults with their mental health have received a near-£5000 boost.
Support Approachable Friendly Environment (SAFE), a local health and wellbeing charity, has been awarded £4,930 by Morecambe Town Council.
The charity supports people of all ages going through mental health and other life challenges to reintegrate with society.
The funding will enable delivery of two of SAFE’s flagship projects in Morecambe until February 2025 – Prop Up Project for young adults (20-25) and Socialease (18+).
Prop Up Project creates a safe space for young adults who, due to mental health or other challenges, may be experiencing life difficulties. Small groups of no more than 10-12 young people engage in monthly, creative-based activity sessions held at the Church of Ascension in Torrisholme.
These sessions are designed to help participants build their confidence, connections, and social skills, breaking down barriers to accessing activities, training, education and employment.
Socialease caters for adults of all ages struggling with social anxiety, isolation and loneliness, providing a first step towards re-engaging in social activity by helping build networks, resilience, and developing effective self-care and coping strategies. Socialease meets weekly in the relaxed and informal setting of Morecambe’s social enterprise cafe Brew Me Sunshine.
"The generous support from Morecambe Town Council allows us to continue our core programmes - breaking down the barriers to social engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, building confidence and empowering those within our community," said Keeley Wilkinson, founder of SAFE.
"With this funding, we reinforce our mission to place people at the heart of their own positive life narratives. We are extremely grateful to Morecambe Town Council for their confidence in our mission and enabling our work to continue."
Councillor Claire Cozler, chair of Morecambe Town Council, said: "It's widely acknowledged that the UK is experiencing a growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people, with 34% of 18-24-year-olds reporting symptoms of a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder in 2021/22.
"Unfortunately specialist care for adults and young people is in short supply. SAFE has a proven track record of making a meaningful difference to individuals' lives and helping those that would otherwise fall through the cracks return to society. Morecambe Town Council is delighted to be supporting such a worthy organisation that’s dedicated to addressing these issues in Morecambe."
The grant was awarded from Morecambe Town Council’s Community Grant Fund, which exists to provide support to organisations and activities that benefit Morecambe residents.
A total of £35,000 is available to applications from local, community-based, not-for-profit or charitable organisations.
More information about Morecambe Town Council community grants, including grant criteria and details of how to apply, can be found here.
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