A £4,000 donation from Somerset Freemasons helps Long Ashton Youth Club to provide young people with more positive activities and professional guidance in a safe environment.

Young people of North Somerset growing up in a rural environment will be given support needed to help them deal with issue-based subjects including substance abuse, social media, gender and identity and provide positive activities to keep them away from risky behaviours which often start to increase during adolescents.

The grant of £4,000 will enable Long Ashton Youth Club to continue to support young people.

The Youth Club provides youth workers who can help young people develop holistically, facilitate their personal, social and educational development, to try and enable them to develop their voice, influence, place in society and reach their full potential.

The Long Ashton Youth club chairman, Dr Phil Jackson, said: “We are very grateful to the Somerset Freemasons for their generous grant which will make a big difference in the lives of the young people we work with.

“The grant allows the youth club to provide a safe space for young people, aged 8 to 19 years where they can socialise, have fun, and develop life skills.

“This support, along with other grants, enables the youth club to provide three youth club sessions this coming year together with a drop-in after school session and support our mission to make a difference to young people’s lives.”

Graham Puddy from Somerset Freemasons, said: “I am very pleased we have been able to help The Long Ashton Youth Club with their valuable programme for local young people who need this crucial support.

“Thanks to L.A.Y.C. these young people have an outlet to receive social support, for the individual issues they find themselves in.

“Being able to reach out and get support to enable them the chance to make a better life for themselves.”