A Hackney mental health charity has received a £500,000 grant to continue its work with young people.

Off Centre, which has been working with 11-to-25-year-olds for 40 years, was helped by the Big Lottery Fund.

The charity provides free services to teach young people how to take control of their lives and tackle issues such the influence of gangs, isolation, bereavement, family troubles and mental and physical ill health.

Support is also offered to the unemployed to motivate and encourage them to get their lives back on track.

The charity says its work blends social educational activities and career advice with psychotherapeutic work to address mental health.

Off Centre chief executive Martin Williams said: “Every pound makes a difference to the young people we work with and to our community, so this grant is incredible.

“Recently a young person who came to us feeling isolated and depressed wrote on our feedback form, ‘I am always excited before I come to this group, because I know that I am surrounded by people who care and that makes me happy inside’. Things like that inspire us, and we could not be more proud to be able to continue this project.”

To find out more, visit: offcentre.org.ukREAD MORE:

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