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Support made of steel

A CHARITY that offers young people in Teesside advice and support on employment has won backing from UK Steel Enterprise as it launches a campaign to increase awareness of the work it does in the community.

Based in Redcar’s Station Road, The Junction is celebrating its 10th birthday and refurbishing its headquarters, including re-painting and new flooring, with the help of a £1,550 grant from UKSE’s special Community Support Fund.

The Junction welcomes dozens of young people through its doors every week offering careers and qualifications advice, support for young carers, counselling services and assistance on mental health, housing, drugs and alcohol issues.

“It’s really important that people visiting The Junction have a positive first impression and that they’re encouraged to come in and see what we offer,” explained Lawrence McAnelly, The Junction’s Chief Executive.

“We’re lucky to have such a great facility, but the building is old and in need of repair. We don’t have a lot of spare cash to spend so the support from UK Steel Enterprise is really valuable.”

The Junction is open to all young people aged 25 years and under in Redcar and Cleveland.

The organisation now plans to develop its socially enterprising activities including bidding for counselling services from local GP surgeries and improving awareness of its services in the area.

“Much of the work we do supports new and growing businesses directly with finance and premises but our Community Support Fund was set up to help projects that are improving life for communities in our steel areas,” said UK Steel Enterprise Regional Manager Simon Hamilton.

“The Junction helps young people in many ways including preparing them for life in the workplace and that benefits the young people, employers and the local area,” he added.

Alongside its advice services The Junction provides a laundry, shower and kitchen, as well as internet, telephone, fax and photocopying facilities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .