A CHARITY which supports disadvantaged young people in Gloucestershire has been given a £3,000 funding boost from a rural business organisation.

Young Gloucestershire, which provides support and activities for people between the ages of 11 and 25 across the county, has received the grant from the Country Land & Business Association (CLA), 

The CLA represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses and provides grant funding to groups that help disadvantaged people to connect with the countryside and nature. 

The grant will be used to help employ an outdoor/environmental youth worker to support Young Gloucestershire’s mental health programme.

The charity’s fundraising manager Karl Gwillam said: “It’s fantastic to receive the CLACT’s very generous funding. 

“Mental health issues amongst young people have increased, and creating opportunities to address this are more important than ever. 

“We serve some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country, and whilst our location does provide some significant challenges for young people, Gloucestershire’s rural nature also provides a solution.

"Time in green spaces can significantly benefit mental health and improve psychological wellbeing, yet many of the young people we work with spend much time indoors.”