TWO Hampshire charities that help young people are merging.
Street Reach has been providing street and centre-based youth work in and around Winchester since 1983. It was originally known as the Winchester Detached Youth Work Project.
Hampshire-based charity Youth Options run street and centre-based youth sessions across Southampton, Eastleigh, and the New Forest, where they aim to reduce the number of young people experiencing negative outcomes and provide support. They also offer targeted work with young people already in need of support through one to one and group work at three outdoor learning centres, key work with young people and employment skills.
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With the number of young people seeking support continuing to rise, the decision to join organisations allows for more, accessible youth provisions to be available across Hampshire.
Madeleine Durie, CEO of Youth Options, said: “We are very excited about the joining of our two charities and looking forward to working with the team at Street Reach, continuing to deliver great youth work across Winchester. Young people are at the heart of both charities, so this partnership will provide many new and exciting opportunities to support those who need it the most, to live happier and healthier lives.’’
Sarah Pease, chair of trustees at Street Reach, said: “Youth Options offers the opportunity for Street Reach to become part of a larger local children and young people’s charity, in a move to benefit young people in Winchester. The partnership will enable a sustainable future for Winchester Street Reach as part of a larger organisation able to provide more training and support for youth options, as well as management oversight and back-office functions.’’
The merger will take place in June. All existing youth services will continue to run at the usual time and locations with the same staff team.
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