Around 100 young people across County Durham who are facing homelessness or housing instability will receive vital support thanks to a £60,000 grant from Durham Freemasons.
The funding has been awarded to Moving On Durham, a youth charity supporting 16 to 25-year-olds who are experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, poor mental health, or significant disadvantage.
The grant will fund a two-year programme offering one-to-one, ACE-informed (adverse childhood experience) support aimed at helping young people achieve stability, independence, and a more positive future.
Peter Richards, chief executive of Moving On Durham, said: "This funding will allow us to step in early with practical, non-judgemental support at a point when young people can be facing enormous pressure.
"For many of the young people we work with, stable accommodation is only one part of the picture.
"They also need trusted relationships, emotional support, practical skills and opportunities to build confidence.
"Our proven approach has delivered a 96 per cent tenancy sustainment rate in our most recent reporting period, demonstrating how sustained, personalised intervention can help young people maintain independence and avoid repeat crises.
"We’re very grateful to Durham Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation for helping us extend this work and support more young people across County Durham to move towards independence."
The charity has been operating for more than 35 years and provides safe housing, tailored guidance, and life skills training to help young people build confidence and establish pathways into education, employment, or wider community involvement.
Each individual works with a dedicated support worker to develop a personalised plan that prioritises housing stability, mental health, and practical skill development.
While part of the grant is focused on supporting young mothers and babies, Moving On Durham assists young people from all backgrounds in forging connections, gaining confidence, and finding routes into education, employment, and community life.
A key element of the programme includes wellbeing activities designed to reduce isolation, build resilience, and improve mental health.
During a recent visit to a wellbeing walk in Wolsingham, Durham Freemasons’ Duncan Maw met with Keiron Young, Moving On Durham’s wellbeing and opportunities coordinator, along with several young people supported by the charity.
Mr Young said: "The support from Durham Freemasons is pivotal.
"Our aim is to improve young people’s life circumstances and wellbeing by creating opportunities they may not otherwise have had.
"Activities like wellbeing walks help reduce isolation, build confidence and give young people the chance to connect with others in a safe and supportive environment."
Mr Maw said the visit reinforced the importance of the charity’s work.
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He said: "Spending time with the young people and hearing their stories really brings home the impact of this work.
"These wellbeing activities are not just a nice addition; they are essential in helping people cope, build confidence, and feel part of a community again.
"It’s clear that this funding is making a real and lasting difference."
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