Domestic abuse prevention in south Essex and a youth club will benefit from cash grants from the Echo’s owners.

Gannett, which owns the Echo and other Newsquest titles, has chosen several organisations to receive a cash boost as part of its annual charity awards.

Grants were awarded to Yellow Door Youth Project in Canvey and SOS Domestic Abuse Projects in Southend.

Yellow Door, formerly known as Canvey Island Youth Project, works with disadvantaged young people between the ages of 11 and 25. They offer services such as an advice and information drop-in, counselling, mentoring, educational workshops, a young parents group and a performing arts group. It has been running for 25 years.

The organisation has recently seen a demand for services, particularly counselling, and will receive £6,260 grant to build new counselling rooms.

The charity is moving into a small hall in King George’s Field, in Blackthorne Road, Canvey.

Alex Dobinson, manager of Yellow Door said: “With the support of our community, we will be turning this hall into a youth hub, which will allow our current services more space to grow but also means we can set up and run new projects, clubs and services.

“Runwood Homes have already helped us put in new windows and doors which we are very grateful for and now the Gannett Foundation Grant will help us build some counselling rooms.

“Having a safe, welcoming space for young people with emotional and mental health issues is so important and we are very grateful for the support.”

SOS Domestic Abuse Projects in Southend support people affected by domestic abuse.

Some of their services include the provision of a crisis service for women and men who are experiencing domestic abuse and providing refuge accommodation to high risk women and children.

The charity will receive £2,200 to refurbish the children’s room in the refuge, with new toys and equipment.

Susannah Anderson, fundraising manager at SOS, said: “Thank you to the Gannett Foundation for their generous grant towards toys and play equipment for children at our refuge in Southend.

“Families living in our refuge are fleeing from domestic violence and abuse – quite often they have to leave their homes at the last minute, so children can arrive at our refuge with very little.

“The grant from the Gannett Foundation will help us to furnish the refuge with new toys and games that our families can enjoy together. These small things can make a big difference to families in their recovery from domestic abuse.

“We would encourage anyone who thinks that they are being abused to contact us on 01702 302333 or go to www.sosdap.org”