A TROUBLED Canvey charity has received a huge boost after being told it will receive funding for the next 12 months.

The Canvey Island Youth Project almost went out of business towards a year ago but Calor Gas stepped into the breach and offered the club support with an £8,400 donation.

This funding was due to run out at the end of the year but now the gas supplier, who is in the islanders’ good books after pulling out of plans to build a major gas terminal, have announced they will be funding the charity for the entire of 2013.

The charity, which has been running for more than 20 years, offers free advice and support to troubled youngsters in the borough on issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and how to fight drink and drug addictions.

Alex Dobinson, Manager at the Canvey Youth Project, said she was delighted the funding had been extended.

“Calor Gas have been very generous. Had it not been for them we would have been in a very difficult situation last year but now we are doing much better. The money goes towards our drop-in sessions and we helped over 250 people through these sessions last year. It is a wonderful gesture from them and everyone is very grateful.”

The charity has helped almost 1,500 over the last two years and Rebecca Harris, Castle Point MP, said she was heartened to hear the news.

“The Canvey Youth Project provides such a valuable service to the community and I think it is marvellous the partnership with Calor Gas is working so well. Clubs such as these require funding so to get another 12 months support is great for them and the island.”

Graeme Lockwood, National Terminals and Projects Manager at Canvey Island, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that Calor will continue to support the Canvey Island Youth Project throughout 2013. Since we became involved with the charity in 2012 we have seen, first hand, the work the Project does to support vulnerable young people in Canvey Island, and we feel it is vital that this service continues. The work the charity carries out is extremely important, as the Youth Project is sometimes the only place to turn for local young people who are facing issues such as poverty, addiction and homelessness. We are proud to be able to help make a difference to these young lives.”

For more information on Canvey Youth Project visit www.canveyislandyouthproject. org.uk or contact 01268 683431.