A Suffolk youth charity is celebrating after receiving £80,000 of Government and lottery funding to support its work.

The Felixstowe-based Level Two Youth Project, which runs a range of services for children and young people aged seven to 25, has received the money from the Million Hours Fund, a jointly-funded initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Level Two helps hundreds of young people, including many with a dysfunctional home life, facing financial hardship, or that have physical disabilities or mental health problems, anger issues, unemployment and caring responsibilities.

READ MORE: ‘More important than ever’ – the youth project safeguarding young people’s mental health

Shez Hopkins, project manager at Level Two, said: “Grant funding to support our work is getting harder to secure, making the future of charities such as Level Two more vulnerable than ever.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this funding and are excited about the difference it will make in the lives of the children, young people and families who access our services.

East Anglian Daily Times: Shez Hopkins, project manager with Level TwoShez Hopkins, project manager with Level Two (Image: Archant)"I can’t emphasise enough the importance of ensuring children and young people are as well-resourced as possible to manage their own mental health challenges."

READ MORE: Level Two youth hub at Felixstowe opens its doors to mark 15 years

In 2023, the charity, based in Cobbold Road, provided services for 811 people, including mentoring and counselling, open access sessions from the youth hub, dedicated sessions for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and a drama group.

The organisation is now in the process of converting shipping containers into safe spaces and the funding will contribute to providing additional safe spaces and new opportunities for young people and families in Felixstowe.

The National Lottery Community Fund supports organisations that provide positive activities for young people in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news