Derbyshire County Council commits extra £245,000 to support young people affected by substance misuse

The additional funding for the Space4U initiative was agreed at a meeting of the health and communities committee on November 5.

It will be spread over four years to help reach more young people and reduce waiting times for support, and supplements the £70,000 a year the council already invests in the project, which is run by the charity Action for Children.

Councillor Carol Hart, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “We know the coronavirus pandemic, and lockdown in particular, is having a major impact on residents and there’s more need than ever for us to help people get through it.

“There’s a lot of good work being done by this project and by putting in extra funding, we can reduce the wait for help and help more young people when they need it most.”

Every year, Space4U helps around 80 young people referred by professionals such as mental health workers, social workers, and GPs. Children and young people can also refer themselves.

The project aims to provide a safe, confidential space where children and young people can express themselves, improve their health and self-esteem, and access education and development opportunities.

Emma Kemp, project co-ordinator at Action for Children, said: “The extra funding is a massive help and will enable us to support more children with the valuable work we do.

“We’ve responded to the change in circumstances with the pandemic and this additional funding allows us to do even more in these uncertain times.”

Coun Hart added: “Pressure caused by the pandemic is having an effect on many families and it’s vital we continue to do what we can to support young people in Derbyshire.

“This project is already helping a lot of children and young people and by putting in the extra money, we can support even more impacted by substance misuse.”

For more information on Space4U, including the referral process, see services.actionforchildren.org.uk/derbyshire/space-4-u.

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