Herefordshire charity one of first to receive cash from The National Lottery Community Fund

A support network for young people in Herefordshire is one of the first projects in the UK to receive cash from the newly named The National Lottery Community Fund.

The community funder, the largest in the UK, recently changed its name from the Big Lottery Fund and has today cemented the move by awarding more than £275,000 to Hope Support Services.

Thanks to the money, raised by National Lottery players, Hope Support Services will continue to help young people across Herefordshire, aged 11 and over, who have been affected by a parent or carer’s illness. They will be provided with ways to cope in difficult times, empowering them to overcome challenges in their lives.

The organisation was set up by Sue Trevethan, from Ross-on-Wye, ten years ago. When Sue was diagnosed with cancer, she found that there was a lack of support for her children who were aged 13, 16 and 19 at the time.

Sue Trevethan, Founder of Hope Support Services, said: “There was plenty of support for children and young people who had experienced bereavement, but no service existed to help young people with an ill parent or carer. I decided that something had to be done for those who were experiencing the trauma and uncertainty of a family health crisis.”

Hope Support Services first began in a coffee shop, which soon expanded to a group of young people with experience of a poorly loved one, who wanted to mentor and support others in similar situations. One year later, it became a registered charity and began providing free training to health care professionals working with young people. Over 500 young people have received help from Hope Support Services over the past decade.

Sue said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue our vital work by expanding into more areas across Herefordshire. We provide support on a range of issues including anxiety, depression and loneliness through activities chosen by the young people themselves such as cooking, sailing and first aid courses. This helps build friendships, boost their confidence and improve their mental health.”

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to be funding Hope Support Services to help children and young people to thrive. It’s fantastic to see young people involved in the making of this project, building their confidence and resilience during challenging times in their lives. Thanks to National Lottery players, more children and young people across Herefordshire will receive support to cope with an illness in their family.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year – as the Big Lottery Fund - it awarded over £241 million to projects across the UK supporting children and young people. To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk