A YOUNG persons’ charity is hoping to expand its mental health service after it won a grant of £15,000.

Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme (BYPHS) will receive the money from the East Lancashire Freemasons as part of the community award initiative. The charity was nominated by the Freemasons and local people voted to decide the level of the award and 178,801 people voted across England and Wales.

Maura Jackson CEO at BYPHS said: “The grant of £15,000 which we have been awarded following the public vote is hugely important. We are very grateful to all of our friends who took the trouble to support us. We plan to use this money to recruit a mental health support worker to offer much needed help to vulnerable young people and prevent repeat homelessness.”

The Community Awards are part of the Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing £3million to 300 charities across the country, with the public vote deciding on the range of awards from £4,000 to £25,000.

Sir David Trippier, from the Freemasons, said: “We are delighted so many people voted for BYPHS as one of nine charities nominated by local Freemasons and I know they will use their £15k grant to continue with their outstanding work.”

BYPHS was set up in 1992 and provides an opportunity for homeless young people to be safe, stable and develop skills for independence.

Servies include accommodation, support, advice and guidance with an aim to prevent homelessness and increase independent living skills.