A GRANT of more than £60,000 has been donated from the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Freemasons to the Romsey-based Youth Options charity. 

Up to 30 local families dealing with children showing challenging behaviours such as violence, self-harm and refusing to attend school will receive more help.

The £64,685 grant will support Youth Options’ Families Together project over three years through intensive Non-Violence Resistance (NVR) courses for parents with the addition of one-to-one and small groups for young people. 

Through Youth Options’ NVR courses, parents and carers will receive the tools needed to help break down these barriers and address the issues that may be leading to these destructive behaviours.

Additionally, the programme will focus on all aspects of family life to support changes that improve life for everyone involved.

The grant from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

READ MORE: Winchester waste collection fleet adopts greener fuel

Madeleine Durie, Youth Options chief executive, said: “We’re very grateful to Hampshire and IOW Freemasons for their generous grant. At Youth Options we pride ourselves on the level of support we offer children and young people across the county. 

“Our courses aim to reduce violent behaviour and build positive relationships, offering a non-judgemental environment. Every family, child and young person deserves the opportunity to lead a positive life, and thanks to the Freemasons, more local families will have this chance.”

Jon Whitaker, the head of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons, said: “I’m very pleased as local Freemasons that we’ve been able to support this hugely important project. 

“Tackling violence within families is a complex and difficult task but can have huge consequences for the young people involved and other family members. It’s no exaggeration to say that the work you do can transform lives.”