A WYRE Forest charity which provides emergency accommodation for young homeless people has been given a grant of just under £15,000.

Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Service applied for the money through the Worcestershire Community Foundation and Community First.

The money has been given from the European Social Fund (ESF) to help charities support the long-term unemployed travel closer to the job market.

Nightstop will use the money to help the work it does to improve the self-esteem, confidence and skills of young people from the local community, many who have previously been homeless.

It also aims to make the individuals more confident as a result of volunteering with the charity and enhance their self-esteem through working on community projects.

Judith Ford, Nightstop co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the grant from the ESF and we appreciate the support from Community First in applying for the grant.

“We will now be able to offer more volunteering opportunities to vulnerable and often disadvantaged young people and, in so doing, will help to improve their prospects of employment.”

Wyre Forest Nightstop is supported by Wyre Forest District Council and the Community Safety Partnership.

Nightstop hosts provide a bed for the night, an evening meal, washing facilities, breakfast and a caring environment.