Youth charity to open Lancaster base with lottery funding

Youth charity Escape2Make will be able to open a home of its own after securing £221,400 over three years from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The organisation, which supports 11 to 18-year-olds in Lancaster and Morecambe, has so far delivered its activities and creative workshops from a range of venues and businesses across the district.

As well as securing its own building, the funding will also enable the charity to increase its provision, which aims to combat loneliness, improve mental wellbeing and provide positive opportunities.

It will also enable Escape2Make to enhance community awareness and understanding of its mission, reaching an estimated 6,000 members of the community through youth-led events, paving the way for increased fundraising opportunities and long-term sustainability.

Saul Argent, chief operating officer at E2M, said: "This funding allows us to establish our first base in Lancaster, a crucial step to meet the needs of young people amidst the worst mental health crisis in memory.

"It also empowers us to expand our reach, providing vital resources and opportunities for personal growth, while empowering our youth to become active contributors to society.

“And it’s not just the young people that benefit. E2M's initiatives will provide valuable opportunities for 90 freelance facilitators as well as youth workers and 60 volunteers to gain skills and experience in the cultural and creative sectors, fostering potential pathways to future employment.”

Jenny Natusch, founder and CEO of E2M, added: "With this funding, we're transitioning from a 'pop-up model' to establishing our first small 'test site' in Lancaster City Centre, designed by young people.

"As well as providing more flexible youth programming in addition to our current creative clubs and workshops, the funding will enable us to take the initial stride towards realising our young people's long-term vision for a larger creative, accessible and inclusive space for young people in Lancaster and Morecambe."